Rep. Huffman’s Statement on January Ceasefire Deal

January 16, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) issued the following statement:

“Israel and Hamas, with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, have finally agreed to a three-phase ceasefire agreement. I have been calling for a ceasefire for months and have demanded swift humanitarian aid for the region and the release of all hostages. This war has gone on far too long, taking countless innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for its tireless work to deliver peace for the people of Israel and Palestine,” said Rep. Huffman.

“I am eyes-wide open that our work is not done. We must ensure this deal holds and that every hostage is returned home, the fighting and destruction cease, and more aid swiftly pours in to help civilians rebuild their lives. I know this is not an easy road, but I am committed to pushing in every way possible to bring stability and security back to the region.”

Details of the Agreement

Phase 1: (42 days)

  • Hamas releases 33 hostages, including female civilians and soldiers, children and civilians over 50. Israel releases 30 Palestinian prisoners for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female soldier.
  • Halt to fighting. Israeli forces move out of populated areas to the edges of the Gaza Strip. Displaced Palestinians begin returning home. More aid enters the strip.

Phase 2: (42 days)

  • Hamas releases remaining male hostages (soldiers and civilians) in exchange for a negotiated number of Palestinian prisoners and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

Phase 3:

  • Deceased Israeli hostages are returned to families in exchange for the bodies of deceased Palestinian fighters.
  • Border crossings for movement in and out of Gaza are reopened, and a reconstruction plan begins for Gaza.

Rep. Huffman’s Recent Statements and Legislative Actions

  • In December, Rep. Huffman signed a letter calling on the Biden administration to provide a full assessment of Israel’s compliance with certain U.S. laws and policies. 
  • In October 2024, Rep. Huffman signed a letter urging Israel to allow unimpeded access for U.S. and international journalists into Gaza.
  • In September 2024, Rep. Huffman became an original cosponsor of H.R.9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act.
  • In June 2024, Rep. Huffman released his Statement on President Biden’s Middle East Plan.
  • In April 2024, Rep. Huffman joined a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken asking them to withhold pending offensive weapons transfers to Israel after seven humanitarian aid workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, and to place conditions on future weapons assistance.
  • In March 2024, Rep. Huffman signed a letter advocating for a two-state solution which prioritizes Israel security while working towards the establishment of a Palestinian State.

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