Council Member Shahana Hanif released the following statement on the Ceasefire Agreement and Hostage Release on January 19, 2025: 

I am encouraged by the recent news of a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East and the beginning of the hostage release as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher reunite with their families. While it is deeply saddening that it has taken over 450 days of unimaginable suffering since October 7, 2023, for all involved to reach this point, I hold hope that this development will be a step toward lasting peace, justice, and stability in the region. 

I call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, halt the violence and military actions in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, and ensure the safe return of the remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to their families. It is my sincere hope that this will be the first step toward a complete end to the conflict, allowing all communities to begin the process of healing and rebuilding.

At a time when we are witnessing an alarming rise in hate crimes, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian rhetoric, we must reject division and come together to build a city rooted in the safety of all communities.

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