Rockland Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, who serves as the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued a statement in response to Hamas' decision to indefinitely pause the release of hostages.

Lawler expressed his concerns regarding the situation: “For over 16 months, Hamas has used these hostages in a perverse attempt to evade responsibility for the terrorist attack on October 7th,” he stated. He further criticized Hamas for allegedly breaking ceasefire terms and using hostages for their survival. "The failure to immediately release the hostages should result in severe and unrelenting consequences," Lawler added.

Congressman Lawler is known for his bipartisan approach in Congress. He represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.