Ranking Member Cherfilus-McCormick's Statement on the Returning of Bodies of Israeli Hostages

Tamarac, FL – Ranking Member Cherfilus-McCormick issued the following statement on the returning of bodies of Israeli hostages.

"Today serves as a horrific reminder of the cruelty exhibited by Hamas towards innocent lives as Israel received the bodies of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, as well as Oded Lifshitz.  

Ariel and Kfir were only 4 years old and 9 months old when they, alongside their mother, Shiri, were ripped from their homes and brutally murdered. No person – let alone a child -- should ever be subjected to such inhumane treatment. Oded Lifshitz was an 84-year-old Israeli man who was a lifelong peace activist who was dedicated to coexistence by volunteering to transport Palestinians from Gaza to Israeli hospitals for medical care.  

I mourn with their families and stand with all of Israel during this tragic and unimaginable loss of innocent lives. We must ensure this can never happen again. After over 500 days in captivity, all hostages must be released immediately, and Hamas must never be allowed to govern Gaza."

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