Statement by Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Continuation of the Release of Hostages

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in response to the continued release of hostages and the need to redouble efforts to ensure the safe return of all hostages to their homes: 

"I welcome the latest release of hostages after more than 15 months in Hamas captivity, including an Israeli soldier, bringing the number of captives freed since the start of a ceasefire in Gaza last month now to 18 over the course of a week. These moments of hope remind us of the devastating impact that this crisis has had on countless families who have anxiously awaited the return of their loved ones. 

"While this agreement represents a positive step, we cannot take for granted the work that remains. There are still many hostages in captivity, and we must maintain international pressure to achieve their prompt and safe release. I urge U.S. authorities to continue to use all diplomatic tools available to ensure that every hostage returns home safely. 

"I thank President Biden and his administration for bringing this humanitarian mission to where we are today and call on the international community to continue supporting these efforts and ensuring the necessary resources for humanitarian aid are provided to affected civilians in the region. 

"The release of all hostages must remain a top priority. We will not rest until each of them returns home and is reunited with their families."

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov