AFT President Weingarten Calls for Cease-Fire and Hostage Negotiations

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killed: AFT President Calls for Regional Peace Efforts

WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the military leader of Hamas, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten released an official statement emphasizing the need for a transformative change in the region.

Randi Weingarten described Sinwar's death as "good news, indeed a great relief," considering his role as the architect behind the attacks on Israel on October 7, a year prior. She articulated that this event should serve as a pivotal moment to alter the dynamics in the area. "This war must end," she asserted, highlighting the urgency of concluding hostilities.

Weingarten stressed the importance of bringing hostages back home and urged Israel to re-engage in negotiations with its allies to expedite this process. "With Sinwar’s death must come a hostage deal and a cease-fire," she stated.

The AFT President also pointed to the severe humanitarian crisis persisting in Gaza, insisting that Israel must address these challenges earnestly. She underscored the necessity for both Palestinians and Israelis to progress beyond the conflict that has lasted more than a year since the Hamas attack.

Furthermore, Weingarten called for peace in Lebanon and northern Israel, regions that have faced continuous bombings. "Enduring daily bombing is no way to live," she affirmed, urging for cessation of hostilities in these areas as well.

Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Weingarten urged him to transcend the demands of his government coalition, some members of which are advocating for increased military actions in Gaza following Sinwar's death. She labeled these calls as "completely unacceptable."

She appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to persist in his efforts to accomplish these objectives, stating, "President Joe Biden must continue doing everything in his power to achieve these goals: end the war, bring home the hostages and establish a horizon of hope for the people of Gaza and for the entire region, for a livable future for both peoples in the region." She stressed that such efforts would provide the best security for Israel and the most promising future for Palestinians and the broader region.

The American Federation of Teachers represents a diverse group of professionals, including 1.8 million members across sectors such as pre-K through 12th-grade education, higher education, government, healthcare, and early childhood education.

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