Pennsylvania lawmakers react to ceasefire deal

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was quick to issue a statement on social media following President Donald Trump’s Oct. 8 announcement of the hostage/ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Fetterman, a Democrat and a staunch supporter of the Jewish state, praised the deal, and credited Trump for helping to make it happen.

On X, Fetterman reposted Trump’s announcement of the deal and wrote: “I congratulate POTUS on this historic peace plan that releases all the hostages. Now, enduring peace in the region is possible. Our parties are different, but we have a shared ironclad commitment to Israel and its people.”

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Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican, also commended Trump’s efforts toward peace in the Middle East on Oct. 8 in a post on X:

“Thanks to President Trump, his team, and all the negotiators, our prayers and calls to bring the hostages home may soon be answered. This first phase represents critical progress and we must work quickly to ensure the remainder of the president’s 20-point peace plan becomes a reality.”

On Oct. 9 on X, Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 17th District, which covers much of Allegheny County, including Mt. Lebanon, Scott and Fox Chapel, praised the deal, acknowledging both the Israeli hostages and the suffering in Gaza.

“After two bloody years of war, this agreement may finally bring the hostages home, end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and create an enduring two-state peace,” Deluzio wrote. “I commend the American leadership — including President Trump’s — and diplomacy that led to this moment, and I hope all parties work in good faith to realize the full, American-backed peace plan and put an end to this heartbreaking war.”

Rep. Summer Lee, who represents Pennsylvania’s 12th District, which includes Squirrel Hill, began calling for a ceasefire in the region just days after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Still, she was publicly silent about the ceasefire deal until Friday, when she posted the following on social media:

“A ceasefire in Gaza is a critical step to ending the genocide, surging aid, and reuniting Palestinian and Israeli families. As we continue to work for true, just, and lasting peace, this deal must hold.

“We owe it to every Palestinian killed, every home and hospital destroyed, to demand accountability for the war crimes committed, and we must keep pushing for an end to the occupation.”

Lee, who did not mention the Israeli hostages in her statement, has frequently referred to Israel’s war with Hamas as a “genocide” and has called for an arms embargo against the Jewish state.

Shortly after the hostages were released Monday morning, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted:

“Today is a day of great relief as after 738 days, the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas have finally come home to their families. I pray that all those families whose loved ones are deceased will soon receive them as well. The end of this terrible war now offers hope and opportunity for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.

“Much work remains to ensure that Hamas is disarmed and removed from power so that Gaza can be rebuilt and a path toward a broader and deeper peace can be forged in the region. Today’s summit in Egypt is an important opportunity to advance this cause. I appreciate the President and his team for their work to reach this moment, and hope they will remain just as focused on the important work ahead.” PJC

Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.