Key Democrat calls for Israel-Gaza ceasefire, demands Hamas release hostages

Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin on Thursday called for a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas terrorist group conditioned upon the release of hostages held in the besieged coastal region.

Hostilities have persisted in the wake of an Oct. 7 Hamas raid on Israel that saw its forces seize border towns, take roughly 200 hostages, and kill more than 1,000 civilians. The conflict has threatened to spill into neighboring nations and has already resulted in cross-border exchanges between Israel and its northern neighbors, Syria and Lebanon.

During an appearance on CNN, host Poppy Harlow asked Durbin whether it was time for a ceasefire, prompting the lawmaker to reply "I think it is. At least in the context of both sides agreeing."

He did, however, offer the caveat that Hamas ought to release its hostages as a precondition for talks.

"For example, the release of those who have been kidnapped should be part of this: immediate release," he continued. "That should be the beginning of it. An effort should be made to engage in conversation between the Israelis and Palestinians."

BREAKING: @SenatorDurbin becomes first US Senator to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Asked by @PoppyHarlowCNN whether it’s time for a cease-fire, Durbin said: “I think it is.” pic.twitter.com/hyP5PI1Q2N

— Waleed Shahid 🪬 (@_waleedshahid) November 2, 2023

"Let's face it. This has gone on for decades. Whatever the rationale from the beginning, it has now reached an intolerable level. We need to have a resolution in the Middle East that gives some promise for the future," he continued.

The White House has largely refrained from using the term "ceasefire" amid the conflict. President Joe Biden, however, on Thursday did call for a "pause" in the fighting "to get the prisoners out."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.