Jayapal Welcomes Ceasefire, Calls For Accountability

India-West Staff Reporter

SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) has welcomed the release of remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners, describing the development and the accompanying ceasefire agreement as a “time of joy, reunion, and hope” after two years of devastating conflict.

“This is a critically important moment where the remaining live hostages have been released, and Palestinians detained and held prisoner by the Israeli government have also been released,” Jayapal said in a statement. “Together with the announced ceasefire agreement, this is an overdue time of joy, reunion, and hope for so many.”

Jayapal, who represents Seattle and serves as Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said she has been in close contact with one of her constituents whose family member was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. She expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring closure to affected families and open the door to “a long-term peace.”

Condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Jayapal said the Israeli government’s military campaign had inflicted “unimaginable suffering, starvation, killings, and ultimately genocide” on Palestinians. She reiterated her longstanding call for a negotiated ceasefire, asserting that “only diplomacy—not more war—can bring about safety and freedom for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Jayapal urged the Trump administration to ensure that humanitarian aid flows “at the necessary scale” to Gaza, that civilians receive medical care, and that violence in both Gaza and the West Bank comes to an end. She also called for accountability for all parties accused of committing war crimes and for renewed U.S. engagement in rebuilding and supporting Palestinian self-governance.

“In this moment of real hope, the United States must maintain pressure to see the deal through, to ensure it is not sabotaged by Netanyahu or other right-wing forces who seek to keep war going,” she said. “This is a moment to chart a path for a just resolution that recognizes a Palestinian state, rebuilds Gaza, and ensures security and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.”