A bipartisan resolution introduced on Oct. 17 by U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and 196 of his colleagues calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its attack earlier this month on Israel.
“Hamas’ brutality against the people of Israel is appalling and barbaric,” Rep. Hill said on Tuesday. “Holding innocent civilians against their will is morally wrong and must be condemned.”
Rep. Hill signed on as the lead original cosponsor of House Resolution (H.Res.) 793, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and 195 other original cosponsors.
“I am proud to partner with Rep. Haley Stevens in leading this resolution that calls for the immediate release of all hostages wrongfully detained by Hamas,” said Rep. Hill. “As co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad, we are committed to bringing all the hostages held by Hamas home safely.”
Hamas on Oct. 7 launched a terrorist attack from Gaza into Israel against the Israeli people. The Israeli military on Oct. 16 confirmed that Hamas killed more than 1,400 people in the attack, including 30 Americans, according to the text of the resolution.
Specifically, the resolution would resolve that the U.S. House of Representatives condemns Hamas for its brutal attack on Israel, for taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages. The House demands that Hamas immediately release all hostages and return them to safety, the text says.
Additionally, H.Res. 793 would state that the House recognizes that taking hostages is a violation of international humanitarian law, and would express members’ sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families “for this travesty to justice and personal hardship.”
“Hamas holding innocent Israeli civilians hostage is the ultimate act of terrorism, this resolution recognizes these acts for what they are — evil,” said Rep. Stevens. “Evil cannot go unacknowledged, and my heart is with the hostages and their families. We are committed to bringing those held safely home.”