Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, said that peace in Gaza requires Hamas to surrender and cease hostilities. He accused the group of prioritizing violence over the well-being of Palestinians. The statement was made on X.
"We must have peace," said Jay C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "Hamas must unconditionally surrender for peace for the Palestinian people. Hamas has never cared about the Palestinians. The killing must stop, and it will stop when Hamas ends this war they started."
In June 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is arming Palestinian clans in Gaza to counter Hamas control. According to the Associated Press, this strategy includes supporting militias like the Popular Forces, which Israel claims are helping secure humanitarian aid zones. Hamas and human rights groups have condemned the plan, warning it may fuel intra-Palestinian violence and destabilize the region further. This effort marks a shift from solely military tactics to internal disruption of Hamas governance.
On December 12, 2024, an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Nusairat refugee camp in central Gaza killed at least 33 people and injured around 50. Euronews reported that the strike hit a postal center being used to shelter displaced families, and nearby residential areas were also damaged. The incident highlights the high civilian toll and infrastructure destruction in densely populated zones during the conflict.
Since October 2023, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza conflict, with Israel estimating that around 20,000 were Hamas militants. According to The Economist, this indicates that roughly 60% of deaths were civilians, sparking international outcry and demands for greater protection of non-combatants. The conflict continues to draw scrutiny over the proportionality of Israeli strikes and the use of civilian areas by militants.
Jay C. Block is a Republican state senator representing District 12 in New Mexico since January 2025. Ballotpedia reports he is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who served from 1989 to 2016, including combat service in Afghanistan. Known for his conservative positions, Block has emphasized national security and support for Israel in public statements and legislative efforts.
