WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement praising President Biden for the key role he played, along with American and Egyptian diplomats, in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas:

“This was a critical breakthrough.  I spoke with President Biden and thanked him for his deft leadership brokering this deal.  I know firsthand that President Biden’s experience and personal relationships with leaders in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern officials was critical to halting the violence.  I urge both sides to honor the cease-fire.  The international community must seize this moment to play a constructive role and help bring a just and sustainable peace to Israelis and Palestinians.”