Only days after the second anniversary of the October 7th attack, news of the historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza reverberated across the world – awakening millions to the cautious hope of a Middle East capable of fostering sustained peace and stability.

This breakthrough is a testament to the strong posture of the Trump administration’s unwavering support for Israel while simultaneously pursuing the return of all hostages and a more promising, prosperous future for the region.

All Americans can be grateful for that leadership. I applaud the president, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and all who worked tirelessly to achieve this progress.

Here in The Natural State, there is a particular point of pride as our own former governor, Mike Huckabee, played an important role in what he called an “incredible triumph.” President Trump has publicly praised his efforts and Ambassador Huckabee attended the president’s address to Israel’s parliament to celebrate the culmination of the first phase of the agreement.

Less than a year into his ambassadorship, Mike Huckabee is uniquely bolstering the relationship between our nations. That was my expectation and belief when the Senate confirmed him earlier this year, and he is meeting the moment.

Throughout this brutal war – and in a world where Israel is under threat of constant attack – I have remained a staunch advocate for our greatest friend in the Middle East. I have joined my Senate colleagues to condemn Hamas’ extensive record of terrorist activity and the deliberate, inhumane use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. I also joined my colleagues in calling on the United Nations (UN) to formally designate it as a terrorist organization and helped introduce legislation to halt U.S. funding to UN agencies that sought to punish Israel’s right to self-defense.

Thankfully, the ceasefire secured a joyous homecoming for the final living Israeli hostages, whose families and loved ones have long awaited their return.

Yet underlying this celebration is the immense grief and solemn remembrance of nearly 2,000 innocent souls murdered by Hamas in October 2023, and the hundreds of civilian hostages who were executed in captivity or perished from the cruel conditions in which they were held. 

As part of the ceasefire, Hamas must return the remains of deceased hostages as a gesture of basic human decency. Only after these families have the chance to grieve and properly bury these victims can the framework move to the next phase.

By now it should be clear that nobody benefits from this continued cycle of hostility, terrorism and radical ideology toward Israel. Nations do not flourish when violence becomes the preferred tool to resolve conflict. The results, as we have seen, abuse human life and write it off as expendable. 

Permanently eliminating the threat of Hamas is the only path forward for any significant, long-term regional stability. On that, much of the world agrees.

But peace is only possible if the aggressor that started this war when it launched the October 7 attacks, Hamas, adheres to the agreement. The contours of this deal, which has the support of key Arab nations, prioritize the safety of Israelis and offer a life for Gaza’s residents free from radical, oppressive terror.

Congress will continue to work alongside the Trump administration to support this breakthrough and the humanitarian efforts needed to transform Gaza.

This development is an encouraging step forward and I am pleased we have reached this critical juncture. It is time for this war to end and Israel’s security to be assured.