WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wyoming’s congressional delegation and other federal lawmakers this week welcomed the tentative success of the Israel-Hamas peace deal brokered chiefly by President Donald Trump.
The accord follows the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 254 hostages.
Hamas on Monday released 20 hostages, believed to be the last who were still alive. They included Avinatan Or, whose brother Chaim Or met with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, last May.
On the X social media platform Tuesday, Lummis reposted an announcement by the Israel Defense Forces confirming Avinatan Or was among the living captives released as part of a swap for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
“Overjoyed Avinatan is reunited w/ his loved ones. His strength [and] courage are a testament to the resilience of Israel [and] a reminder why we place our faith in God,” Lummis wrote on X.
Lummis, interviewed by Cowboy State Daily last week, said it was not known at the time if the young man was alive or dead. The interview also shed light on Trump's peace plan and Lummis's outlook.
Most of the original hostages had either been released or had died during the past two years. The State Department said last week that 48 hostages remained but did not say how many were still alive.
Based on Monday’s announcements by Israeli and U.S. authorities, it appears 20 were alive. In addition to those people, all of whom were released Monday, the bodies of the other 28 are due to be released under the accord.
The process of returning the remains was reportedly taking time because, in many cases, the locations of some of the bodies in war-torn Gaza were not immediately known.
Hageman, Barrasso
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, credited Trump’s leadership with the peace deal, which is still in its early stages.
“Today marks an extraordinary moment for Israel, for freedom, and for all who stand against terror,” Hageman wrote on X on Monday. “After two agonizing years in captivity under Hamas, the Israeli hostages are finally free, and the world rejoices with them.
“This day is a direct result of strength and leadership. President Trump once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Israel and to the protection of innocent lives.
“Hamas is a barbaric terrorist organization that must be held accountable for every life it has destroyed. The U.S. continues to stand with Israel. We celebrate all of the individuals that returned home today.”
U.S. Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming posted Monday on X: “After over two years, the hostages are free and home with their families.”
Barrasso thanked Trump for his “unwavering commitment to Israel and to peace.”
Senate Floor
The U.S. Senate was not in session Monday, instead reconvening Tuesday afternoon for the first time this week.
In floor remarks, U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Senate Republican Leader John Thune of South Dakota applauded the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
“We can all say, ‘Praise the Lord,’” Grassley said. “I think we all know that this would not have happened without the persistent and skilled leadership of President Trump.
“The deal that President Trump was able to strike involves a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, with Hamas not allowed to resume control of Gaza.”
Said Thune: “To see the peace process moving forward is an occasion for immense gratitude, and I hope that both sides will adhere to the terms of the agreement, so that this can mark the beginning of an end to the bloodshed.”
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, in floor remarks Tuesday, also praised the fledgling peace accord but did not credit Trump.
The U.S. House did not meet Monday or Tuesday.
Sean Barry can be reached at sean@cowboystatedaily.com.
