Rep. Pramila Jayapal Reiterates Call For Gaza Ceasefire

WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) – Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has reiterated her call for a ceasefire in Gaza as fighting has resumed in the Hamas-controlled enclave following the collapse of a seven-day humanitarian truce.

“It’s what has to happen, and I do think it’s realistic,” Jayapal told CNN on December 3.

“We did have a temporary ceasefire and what happened? We were able to see a significant number of hostages released, we were able to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, and I think the long-term plan for what happens is incredibly important,” she added.

When asked if she thought that Hamas would be willing to comply with a longer ceasefire, Jayapal called the situation “very complicated”.

“We don’t have all of the information in front of us, we obviously can rely on statements that are made, but I think that in these negotiations, everybody wants something,” she told CNN.

“I think Qatar has said that Hamas is still at the table, Israel should still be at the table. Some of the hostages, the Israeli hostages, are saying that Israel should still be at the table.

“It doesn’t happen unless both sides are willing to come to some kind of an agreement, that’s how we got the first seven days,” the Congresswoman added.

Jayapal is among the Indian American lawmakers who have consistently called for a cessation of hostilities, extended truce for smooth flow of aid, swift release of hostages, removal of Hamas, and a lasting solution to the raging war in Gaza.

Indian American Congressman Ami Bera has said that there was a: need for an immediate pause to get needed humanitarian aid, food, water, and medicine to struggling civilians; then we need to find a different path forward”.

Congressman Shri Thanedar has expressed his “sincere desire that the conflict ends soon with the removal of Hamas, and we can move forward to a place of stable coexistence”.

Earlier, Jayapal had also called for building an international coalition that could eradicate Hamas and allow new legitimate leadership to emerge for the true governance of Palestinians.

The Indian American Congresswoman’s remarks came as Israel has been bombarding Gaza since combat operations resumed on December 1 following the seven-day humanitarian truce.