Ilhan Omar Calls For Safe Release Of Israeli Hostages Held In Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Ilhan Omar on Friday called for the U.S. to negotiate the safe release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. She also continued to call for "an immediate ceasefire."

"I was moved and honored to meet with the family members of Israeli-American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza," the Minneapolis Democrat said in a statement.

"We must do everything in our power to negotiate the safe release of all hostages held in Gaza. I will remain in touch with regional partners and NGOs to push for the release of the hostages, an end to the unjust targeting of civilians, and an immediate ceasefire."

More than 1,400 people — mostly civilians — were killed when Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

At least 229 people — including foreigners, children, and older adults — were taken by Hamas during the attack and remain in captivity in Gaza. Four hostages have so far been released.

On Wednesday, Omar was just one of 10 lawmakers to vote against a U.S. House resolution backing Israel's right to self-defense and condemning Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

House Resolution 771 — titled "Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" — passed by a vote of 412 to 10.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.