Speaking on MSNBC's “Morning Joe” on Tuesday, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware), co-chair of the Harris-Waltz campaign, argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “needs to make a ceasefire and hostage agreement his top priority…But at the end of the day, it is Hamas, which launched the attack on October 7, continues to hold the hostages, and is the party that stands to benefit most from an end to the fighting in Gaza.”
“Senator Coons, let's talk about the Middle East talks that are still ongoing in Cairo, but there's still no ceasefire agreement,” Politico co-host and White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire said. [hostage] “Release. Both sides seem to be resisting. In your assessment, what more needs to be done? Do you think that not only Hamas but also Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu want to make this a priority and get it done?”
“Yes, they need to make this happen,” Coons said. “It's been a tragic 325 days of families, including American families, waiting, praying and working for the release of their loved ones. One of the most moving moments at last week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago was when the parents of Hirsch Goldberg Pollin, John and Rachel, took the stage and shared their anguish and pain as parents about their son's time in Hamas captivity. And they told the crowd gathered at the United Center that this is not a political issue, this is a humanitarian issue.” I was heartened by the solemn, thoughtful and emotional support of the tens of thousands of people who gathered. I have met with them many times since my first meeting with them in Tel Aviv last October. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to make a ceasefire and hostage release his top priority, but at the end of the day, it is Hamas, which launched the attack on October 7, continues to hold the hostages, and would benefit most from an end to the fighting in Gaza. Brett McGurk remained in Cairo. The talks were reportedly constructive. Progress has been made and details of implementation are currently being negotiated. I remain hopeful.
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