Congressman Costa Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of Hamas' Attack Against Israel

FRESNO, Calif. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the two-year anniversary of Hamas' attack against Israel. 

“Today marks two years since Hamas brutally attacked Israel, killing 1,200 individuals and the taking of 251 hostages. On this somber day, we recognize the lives lost to Hamas’ brutal and unprovoked attacks, the largest such instance of violence against Jews since the Holocaust. I saw the results of the senseless violence committed by Hamas when I visited the Nova music festival site and Kibbutz Be'eri six months after the attacks. 

Two years later, the Middle East remains in the midst of a devastating war. This conflict has also claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with over a third being innocent women and children.

With negotiations taking place in Egypt, now is the time to reach a ceasefire agreement that results in the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza. More humanitarian aid must reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza who have nothing to do with Hamas. It is time to end the violence and focus on achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.”