PolicyBrief
H.RES. 839
119th CongressOct 28th 2025
Condemning Hamas for assassinating innocent Palestinians.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution condemns Hamas for assassinating innocent Palestinians in Gaza following a ceasefire agreement.

Josh Gottheimer
D

Josh Gottheimer

Representative

NJ-5

LEGISLATION

Congress Condemns Hamas Actions Against Palestinian Civilians in Gaza Post-Ceasefire

This resolution, which is not a law but a formal statement of Congressional opinion, focuses on actions taken by Hamas in Gaza after a ceasefire agreement that began on October 10, 2025. Basically, Congress is putting it on the record that they are not okay with what they see happening on the ground.

The 'Sense of Congress' on Civilian Safety

The core of this resolution is a strong condemnation of Hamas for allegedly conducting a “campaign of executions and intimidation” against Palestinian civilians in Gaza following the ceasefire. The resolution states this campaign is aimed at stopping disagreement and regaining control of the territory, leading to the deaths of many civilians. For everyday people, this is Congress weighing in on international human rights issues, specifically calling out a group the U.S. has already designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

What This Means (And Doesn't Mean) for Policy

Because this is a resolution—expressing the “sense of Congress”—it doesn’t create any new laws, change regulations, or start any new government programs. Think of it like a very serious, official public statement. It’s Congress using its voice to formally condemn the killings and acts of terror committed by Hamas against innocent Palestinians in Gaza.

It also serves to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to supporting the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and advancing stability and peace for innocent civilians in Gaza. While this doesn't immediately change anything on the ground, it signals continued political support for the ceasefire and stability efforts, providing a clear policy backdrop for future diplomatic actions. For those following foreign policy, this is a marker of where the U.S. stands on the issue of civilian protection in the region, putting pressure on Hamas through public, formal disapproval.