NEW YORK – Following a historic announcement by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu of an agreed-upon path to disarm Hamas and bring the hostages home, Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the below statement:
“Today’s announcement at the White House represents a moment of historic consequence. The plan forged by the United States, agreed upon by Israel and shared with key international partners marks the first credible path forward toward ending the cycle of violence that has gripped the region since Hamas’s brutal terror attack on October 7.
“For the first time, there is a clear framework that ensures all hostages will be freed, Hamas will be disarmed, Gaza will be demilitarized, and Israel’s security will be preserved. Critically, it finally opens the possibility for the Palestinian people to live free of radical terrorist rule that has brought them only misery and destruction.
“This is a turning point. Peace is now within reach, but only if Hamas chooses to lay down its weapons and release the innocent men and women it continues to hold.
“I applaud and thank President Trump, the Government of Israel, and the international partners involved—particularly Qatar—for their resolve and leadership. After months of unimaginable suffering, the world must unite behind this plan. The future of the region—and the chance for Israelis and Palestinians alike to live in peace and dignity—depends on it.”