Democratic senators urge Trump to pressure Netanyahu for Gaza ceasefire

On July 25, a group of U.S. Democratic senators addressed a letter to the Trump administration, urging it to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

According to Caliber.Az, the letter was accompanied by a press release highlighting the senators’ demands.

The senators called on the Trump administration to leverage its influence over Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire that would enable the prompt release of hostages held by Hamas.

Currently, the proposed framework under discussion includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others who died in captivity. In return, Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners serving long-term sentences, along with 1,100 individuals detained in Gaza since the Israeli military campaign began in October 2023.

The senators also demanded that Netanyahu increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and establish reliable distribution mechanisms overseen by international organisations. The framework notably emphasises a significant increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians in Gaza, addressing one of the most urgent concerns raised by international mediators involved in the talks. Additionally, the senators called for the closure of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and the restoration of support for existing aid coordination systems led by the United Nations in Gaza.

Furthermore, the senators proposed the development of a post-war reconstruction plan for Gaza. This plan would include removing Hamas from power, Israel abandoning plans to annexe the West Bank, continuing Israel’s regional integration, and empowering a reformed Palestinian administration with appropriate governance authority.

The letter was signed by Senators Jack Reed, Dick Durbin, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Warner, Chris Coons, and Brian Schatz.

By Tamilla Hasanova