Washington, DC – Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement on the news of a ceasefire to end the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, as well as President Trump’s description of Iran’s view of the agreement:
“We are profoundly relieved that a ceasefire to halt Israel’s bombing of Palestinians in Gaza and secure the release of long-suffering Israeli and Palestinian hostages has been struck. This critical and long overdue step would not have happened without President Trump’s significant pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We hope that the ceasefire will be implemented and sustained, that the killing will stop and countless individuals can reunite with their loved ones and begin the arduous process of recovery.
“It is critical that this cold peace is solidified and built upon across the region. There is another fragile ceasefire in place between Israel and Iran that many believe Netanyahu plans to break, and so the U.S. must double down to prevent this outcome and ensure peace begets peace. It is significant that President Trump has said that Iran has “blessed” the Gaza deal in communication with the United States and that he believes Iran will be a part of a broader peace. But there are real risks that Netanyahu, with a ceasefire in hand opposed by the most rabid members of his coalition, will push to reopen the war with Iran. President Trump must redouble diplomatic efforts with Iran and stand firm with Netanyahu against more war with Iran.
“Vigilance and continued pressure are necessary to end this chapter of genocide and war and forge a strong peace. Now is the time to double down on diplomacy and to pursue a stronger peace that can prevent the U.S., Israel and Iran from sliding back into a bloody and disastrous regional war.”
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