AFPI Statement on Cease-Fire Agreement Between Hamas & Israel
Washington, D.C.— The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released this statement from the Honorable Robert Wilkie, co-chair for American Security, and the Honorable Fred Fleitz, vice chair for American Security, on today’s agreement between Israel and Hamas in the first stage of President Trump’s 20-point peace agreement:
“We commend President Donald J. Trump for facilitating Israel and Hamas’ agreement to the first stage of his 20-point peace deal. This is the first step to ending the war in Gaza started by the horrific massacre of Israelis by Hamas on October 7, 2023. A cease-fire began today at 5 AM Washington time.”
“Hamas is to release 48 Israeli hostages – 20 believed to be alive – over the next 72 hours, who have suffered two years of brutal torture and captivity at the hands of these terrorists.”
“President Trump steadfastly refused to compromise with the obscene wickedness of the Hamas terror cult and then left them no choice but to release the captives and disarm. The creation of a non-Hamas force ruling Gaza is vital to a lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
“This agreement was only possible because of President Trump’s leadership and his dogged determination to free the hostages and end this war without surrendering to Hamas. Trump ignored demands by the UN, European leaders, and critics at home that Israel halt the war and allow Hamas to resume control of Gaza. While European states were trying to appease Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state without any concessions from the terrorist group, Trump’s negotiators were working behind the scenes to prepare a comprehensive peace plan and broad support for the plan.”
“President Trump’s 20-point peace plan is supported by Arab states, Israel, European states and even the Palestinian Authority. This was possible because President Trump re-established American leadership on the world stage and won the trust of Israel and the Arab states as an honest broker. Although there may be hard work ahead for the U.S. and its allies to finalize the details of the remaining stages of this agreement, if today’s agreement holds, it will be a monumental diplomatic achievement for President Trump and his negotiating team. All freedom-loving people should rejoice today at this monumental win for peace and celebrate the joy of innocent people returning to their homes and families.”