There was word yesterday afternoon of a done deal for a cease fire in the 15-month Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, though there may now be a hiccup in the arrangement. The Associated Press reported mediators locked in a three-phase ceasefire deal set to begin on Sunday that would release dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and it will allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to their homes. It also will allow desperately-needed humanitarian aid into the region. Congressman Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley’s 17th district, says while he welcomes the agreement reached by the joint coalition of President Biden’s and President Trump’s teams, and Netanyahu’s government…
New York Governor Kathy Hochul toured Israel last year shortly after the attacks began, and she said yesterday she’s encouraged by the ceasefire agreement…
Lawler is hopeful that serious additional measures are taken to eliminate Hamas from Gaza and secure the return of the remaining hostages, something he’ll have a direct hand in as Chairman of the Congressional Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. AP reports a “last minute crisis” with Hamas is holding up Israeli approval of the agreement. Early this morning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet won’t meet to approve the agreement, accusing Hamas of backing out on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions. Hamas denies that accusation, and says they are sticking to the agreement.