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Rep Jayapal calls for indefinite ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal restated her appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza during an interview with CNN.
Rep Pramila Jayapal / https://jayapal.house.gov/
Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal restated her appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza during an interview with CNN, despite the resumption of fighting following the collapse of a truce between Israel and Hamas on November 1.
“It’s what has to happen, and I think it’s realistic,” Jayapal told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
Jayapal's remarks followed the conclusion of the seven-day Israel-Hamas truce on November 1, marked by a breakdown in negotiations. Israel accused the Palestinian militant group of violating the agreement by firing at Israel, leading to the resumption of hostilities.
“We did have a temporary ceasefire and what happened? We were able to see a significant number of hostages released, we were able to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, and I think the long-term plan for what happens is incredibly important,” she continued.
When pressed by Bash to explain her belief in Hamas's willingness to adhere to an extended ceasefire, Jayapal called the situation “very complicated.” “We don’t have all of the information in front of us, we obviously can rely on statements that are made, but I think that in these negotiations, everybody wants something,” she said.
“I think Qatar has said that Hamas is still at the table, Israel should still be at the table. In fact, some of the hostages, the Israeli hostages, are saying that Israel should still be at the table. It doesn’t happen unless both sides are willing to come to some kind of an agreement, that’s how we got the first seven days.”
Jayapal expressed doubt that Hamas would remain in the area if a ceasefire were to take place in Gaza.
“I think what is true is Hamas needs to be taken out. It is a terrorist organization. But, I think the way to do that, as many terrorism experts have said, is to create a durable and strong coalition of allies within the Middle East with the United States, with Israel, to make sure that we have a long-term political solution, that there is an alternative to Hamas to lead in Gaza, and to establish a state for Palestinians,” she said.
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