HOLYOKE — US Rep. Richard E. Neal reiterated Tuesday his support for a negotiated, bilateral cease-fire in Gaza, adding he is awaiting details of an aid package that would provide funds not just for Israel but for Taiwan and Ukraine as well.
“I think we are going to have to wait and see what the final package looks like,” said Neal, D-Springfield, who is senior Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Neal was asked Tuesday by a reporter about US plans to supply weapons to Israel. Neal, like other members of Congress, has had protesters outside his office calling for a cease-fire.
“The president has been pretty clear on these issues,” Neal said in a meeting with reporters after touring the site of the new Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke.
“I think I have been clear. We would all like to see a negotiated cease-fire that would be bilateral and the result of which is certainly more humanitarian aid to Gaza
He continued saying there is broad agreement.
“I think the president has taken a very measured approach,” Neal said.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal, coordinated attack across southern Israel that killed 1,200 foreign nationals and Israelis. The group captured 253 hostages, prompting military action by Israel.
The US Senate, where there is a small Democratic majority, passed a $95 billion aid package in February. But that package has had trouble in the Republican-led House.
But on Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson outlined new requirements for the bill’s passage and a way forward.
Tags: Rep Richard Neal awaits details aid Israel Ukraine Taiwan
