Congressman Jackson Acknowledges Hostage/Detainee Release, Calls for Immediate Action on Two-State Solution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) released the following statement today, acknowledging the release of twenty (20) Israeli hostages and over 2,000 Palestinian hostages, detainees, and prisoners by Israel, stressing that these actions must serve as the foundation for a permanent and just peace.

“Today, we breathe a collective sigh of relief as twenty Israeli hostages return to their families and over two thousand Palestinian detainees and prisoners reunite with theirs. These long-awaited exchanges are a testament to the tireless efforts of negotiators and international partners, but this is not an end, but merely a necessary first step on the arduous path toward creating a lasting peace for the region.

The human cost of this war has been staggering and demands our moral attention. Since the conflict began, the toll on both sides has been catastrophic: over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, and over 170,000 injured. This unspeakable loss is compounded by the initial attacks that claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals. We cannot allow these numbers to become abstract; they represent lives shattered and futures extinguished.

The physical devastation of Gaza is equally profound, illustrating the scope of the global commitment required for recovery. To rebuild the enclave, current joint estimates from the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union suggest a cost of up to $70 billion. This massive undertaking must address the fact that up to 92% of homes have been damaged or destroyed, creating at least 55 million tons of rubble that must be cleared before basic life can resume. This is not just a construction project; it is a moral imperative to restore dignity and stability.

Therefore, I renew my urgent call for the international community to pivot immediately from crisis management to a dedicated, achievable framework for a Two-State Solution. The security of both Israelis and Palestinians can only be guaranteed through mutual recognition, regional stability, and the fundamental right to self-determination. I call upon all global leaders to work together—with urgency and resolve—to establish a sovereign, viable Palestinian state existing side-by-side with a secure Israel. The cycle of violence must end, and the only path forward is one paved by justice, equality, and peace.”