August 8, 2025 — New York, NY
Given Hamas’ intransigence in hostage and ceasefire negotiations and the failure of the international community to impose sufficient pressure on the terrorist organization, American Jewish Committee (AJC) fully recognizes the extraordinary challenges facing Israel in determining its next steps after 22 months of war.
Still, the profound risks posed by a full military takeover of Gaza City cannot be overlooked. AJC shares the deep apprehension expressed by many Israelis, hostage families, and Israeli military leaders that the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to proceed with a full military takeover of Gaza City could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages and may well lead to substantial casualties among both Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians.
Just one week ago, member states of the Arab League, the European Union, and other sponsors stated together in the New York Declaration that “in the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons.” In concert with the United States, we call on these countries to apply maximum pressure on Hamas to agree to a hostage release and ceasefire agreement, a step that would bring us closer to the end of the war, ensure Israel’s security, create a future for the Palestinian people free from Hamas, and fulfill the very goals that the Declaration endorsed.
Since the outset of Israel’s efforts to ensure that the horrors of October 7, 2023, can never be repeated, AJC has consistently reminded the international community that Hamas could end this war immediately by taking these steps. Regrettably, Hamas continues to prolong the conflict and exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian civilians by rejecting credible diplomatic efforts, led by the United States, to bring the war to a conclusion.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
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