Virginia leaders release statements two years after war began in Gaza

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia leaders have taken to social media to release statements as Tuesday, Oct. 7, marks two years since the Gaza war began.

The war started two years ago on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll in the war reached 67,160 on Monday, Oct. 6, according to the Associated Press.

This follows the United Nations Commission of Inquiry's report stating that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) released the following statement on social media:

Two years ago today, the world watched in horror as Israel was attacked by Hamas in an act of pure evil. We continue to mourn those lost, pray for the families still waiting for their loved ones’ return, and stand united with Israel in the fight against terror. I commend President Trump for his leadership and commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages. May the memory of all who perished on that dark day be a blessing. Governor Glenn Youngkin

Lieutenant governor and Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earl-Sears voiced in a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 7, a message of remembrance regarding lives lost and those taken hostage.

"As today marks the second year of the October 7th terrorist attack, we remember the 1,200 souls brutally murdered and the 251 innocent lives taken hostage. From the hour Israel was established on May 14, 1948, America has steadfastly supported the Jewish state and its right to exist in peace and security. We remain committed in our support and solidarity with the Jewish people. We pray for the success of current peace negotiations and the release of all remaining hostages. May the Lord bless Israel and her people." Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears

Senator Mark Warner (D) also took to social media to release a statement amidst the two year anniversary of the war.

Today, we pause to remember the atrocities of the horrific terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 and pray for the families still grieving their loved ones. We will always honor their lives and press to make sure this kind of horrific tragedy never happens again.   We must continue to press for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the return of all hostages, dramatically surged humanitarian resourcing and access, and a lasting peace in the region. Senator Mark Warner

Senator Tim Kaine (D) also posted the following statement on social media:

Two years ago, Hamas committed a horrific terrorist attack, murdering nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones that day and the innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians who have suffered enormously in the brutal conflict that followed. It's long past time for this war to end. I hope the negotiations on the proposal that President Trump announced lead to an agreement between Israel and Hamas to release the remaining hostages and find a path forward to peace. Senator Tim Kaine