Mayes calls for ceasefire in Gaza
12 legislators in General Assembly issue letter to call for ceasefire
Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes November 22, 2023 | 11:28 AM
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 22 – Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, recently advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza, in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The letter, sent to the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, grieved the loss of the thousands of Israelis and Palestinians who died amid the conflict, which includes more than 1,400 Israelis and more than 11,470 Palestinians.
“I ask the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to call for a ceasefire so we may prevent the deaths of more innocent civilians,” Mayes said. “Since the conflict began, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic rhetoric increased in the U.S. As such, we must take a stance against such violence and advocate for a peaceful resolution. A ceasefire is the safest way to prevent the killing of innocent Palestinians and ensure the return of hostages.”
She added, “I condemn Hamas’ terrorism and I call for the release of all Israeli hostages.”
In addition to Mayes, 11 legislators in the General Assembly advocated for a ceasefire:
- Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Roni Green, D-Phila.; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Rick Krajewski, D-Phila.; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; Chris Rabb, D-Phila; and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster.
- Sens. Nikil Saval, D-Phila.; Katie Muth, D-Chester; and Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny.
The Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation includes:
- U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Matt Cartwright, Madeleine Dean, Chris Deluzio, Dwight Evans, Brian Fitzpatrick, Chrissy Houlahan, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Summer Lee, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Guy Reschenthaler, Mary Gay Scanlon, Lloyd Smucker, Glenn Thompson, and Susan Wild.
- U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman.
Mayes thanked Lee for issuing a call for a ceasefire, in addition to thanking Scanlon for her solidarity.
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire with Israel agreeing to halt military operations and Hamas agreeing to free 50 of approximately 240 hostages. Israel’s government announced that it would extend the ceasefire an additional day for every 10 additional hostages released.