US Democrats urge Israel-Hamas ceasefire after murdered hostages recovered

By Reuters 1 September 2024, 8:57 pm

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Senator Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, leads a hearing about the rise in threats toward elected leaders and election workers, at the Capitol in Washington, August 3, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Several US Democratic lawmakers renew calls for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, in reaction to the killing of six hostages in a tunnel under Gaza, while Republicans criticize President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not giving stronger support to Israel.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says in a post on X that he is “heartbroken and devastated” by the news of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death, echoing sentiments of other US officials and lawmakers.

“A ceasefire must be reached immediately that allows all remaining hostages to be released, humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, and an elusive and neglected long-term vision for peace and stability to become a reality,” says Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat.

Republican lawmakers are not urging for a stronger push for ceasefire negotiations, with some blaming the Biden-Harris administration for not supporting Israel strongly enough.

“They continue to encourage and embolden Hamas,” with calls for a ceasefire, says Republican Senator Tom Cotton.

Asked what Netanyahu’s government should do in the face of growing protests in Israel, Cotton says: “I would urge him to finish the job against Hamas, which is exactly what Kamala Harris and Joe Biden should have done from the very beginning.”