FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2023

CONTACT: Matan Arad-Neeman, press@ifnotnowmovement.org

In response to reports that the Israeli cabinet approved a deal for hostage exchange and temporary cessation of hostilities with Hamas, IfNotNow National Spokesperson Eva Borgwardt released the following statement:

We welcome reports of the agreement between Israel and Hamas for a temporary cessation of hostilities. Negotiations must build on this agreement to secure a long-term ceasefire that is still urgently needed to end the bloodshed, bring every hostage home, and rebuild Gaza. As the millions calling for a ceasefire have been saying for over a month, this deal is proof that there is no military solution to this crisis.

We are relieved that after 45 days, some of the Israelis held hostage by Hamas will be released in exchange for Palestinian women and children held by the Israeli military. We breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will all finally be able to return home to their loved ones. We continue to echo the call of the families of the Israeli hostages for a hostage exchange: everyone for everyone.

And yet there are still thousands of Palestinians trapped under rubble, thousands more expected to die from dehydration and starvation, and millions displaced. Even after the exchange in this deal, over 100 hostages will remain in Gaza. We need a long-term ceasefire now.

This deal also demonstrates there is no reason President Biden and Congress should send $14 billion in further unconditional weapons aid to Netanyahu’s far-right government. More weapons will not bring peace.

A long-term ceasefire led by President Biden and global partners would facilitate further hostage exchanges and pave the path for a political solution that ensures equality and justice for all Palestinians and Israelis.

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