This resolution condemns the October 7th Hamas attacks, demands the immediate and unconditional surrender of Hamas and the release of all hostages, and reaffirms support for Israel's right to self-defense while condemning global antisemitism.
Josh Gottheimer
Representative
NJ-5
This resolution strongly condemns the brutal October 7th attacks by Hamas, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of the terrorist group and the release of all hostages, including Americans. It reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense while urging international action against Hamas and condemning the global surge in antisemitism. The measure serves as a formal statement of U.S. policy and support following the attacks.
House Resolution Demands Hamas Surrender, Release Hostages, Citing October 7th Atrocities
This resolution from the House of Representatives is essentially Congress taking a powerful, official stand on the conflict that exploded after the October 7, 2023, attacks. It’s not a new law that changes your taxes or sets a speed limit, but a formal declaration detailing a lot of history and demanding specific actions from Hamas.
The document begins by laying out the brutal reality of the attacks, noting that Hamas—officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization—killed over 1,200 people, committed acts of sexual violence, and took 251 hostages, including Americans. The resolution specifically condemns these atrocities, calling October 7th the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. This is Congress using its voice to create a definitive record of condemnation against the group’s actions and its stated goal of destroying Israel, which is laid out clearly in the text.
The Core Demand: Surrender and Release
The central, non-negotiable demand in this resolution is for Hamas to immediately and unconditionally surrender and release every single hostage still being held. This includes Americans like Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. The resolution highlights the failure of Hamas to allow the Red Cross access to the remaining 48 hostages for medical care, underscoring the humanitarian crisis. This isn't just political posturing; it puts official U.S. pressure on international bodies and nations to treat the hostage situation as a top priority.
Reaffirming Israel’s Right to Defend Itself
The resolution explicitly supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. It details the regional escalation that followed October 7th, including rocket fire from Iranian proxies and even direct missile launches from Iran in April 2024. However, the resolution balances this by committing the House to ensure that necessary humanitarian aid gets through to non-combatant Palestinian civilians. This dual message aims to support a key ally while addressing the urgent need for aid on the ground.
Fighting Hatred Here and Abroad
Beyond the conflict itself, the resolution addresses the global surge in antisemitism that followed the attacks. It cites specific violent incidents, including attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions in Europe and the U.S. The resolution strongly condemns all acts of antisemitism, whether they happen in K-12 schools, on college campuses, or in the streets, and commits the House to actively fight against this hatred. For everyday people, this part of the resolution signals that Congress recognizes the increase in hate-based incidents and intends to use its authority to push back against it.