WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued the following statement on the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas:

“President Biden’s announcement brings much needed hope after 15 months of horror. Finally, the hostages will be returned to their homes and their loved ones, desperately needed aid will reach the Palestinian people, and bombs will stop falling. It’s a triumph of diplomacy — but it’s not the end of this story. The ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to the violence. For the sake of children from Rafah to Tel Aviv, all parties must seize this opportunity to wage peace and forge a future defined by safety, dignity, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.”