Press Releases

SANTA BARBARA, CA — Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) issued the following statement after the announcement of a United States-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas to release some of the hostages held in Gaza, grant a temporary humanitarian ceasefire, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“Today’s announcement of a U.S.-brokered deal on a temporary ceasefire and release of hostages being held by Hamas shows the Biden Administration’s continued commitment to using our nation’s place on the world stage and non-stop diplomacy to protect civilians and create the foundation for a sustainable and long-term peace.

“I commend President Biden and Secretary Blinken for their tireless diplomacy, which over the past month has shown that we do not have to choose between the goals of protecting Palestinian and Israeli civilians and supporting Israel’s mission of rooting out the terrorist networks that have pledged the annihilation of their nation and carried out the barbaric slaughter that started this conflict.

“In the days and weeks ahead, it is critical that the Biden Administration continues to use its influence with our ally Israel to keep this fight within the bounds of international law. And Hamas must be held accountable for using civilians and safe points like hospitals as human shields.

“My heart is broken for the thousands that have already died in this conflict, innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike. No number of deaths is acceptable. We have to stay engaged every single day to bring this war to an end in a way that ensures that those responsible for starting it cannot simply regroup and strike against innocent civilians again. That is our path forward to a just and lasting peace.”

Last week, Rep. Salud Carbajal and 75 other members of the New Democrat Coalition urged congressional leaders to schedule a vote on President Biden’s supplemental request for security and humanitarian aid for both Israel and Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Congressman Carbajal also joined an effort signed by 92 members of the U.S. House of Representatives reiterating the need for humanitarian aid to protect the lives of Palestinians, Americans, and Israelis, “whose security will be weakened if we fail to meet the humanitarian needs in the region.”

Over the past month, Rep. Carbajal has also joined his colleagues in Congress to formally condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks, to call for swift support for both Israel's security needs and humanitarian relief to help innocent civilians in Gaza, and to cut off funding sources for terrorist organizations in the region.