Affirms that Hamas should not have political or military power in Gaza, and calls for measures to stop funding for Hamas.
Lindsey Graham
Senator
SC
This resolution asserts that Hamas should not maintain political or military control in Gaza, citing its history of violence and terrorist activities. It urges the President to employ economic and diplomatic strategies to cut off funding to Hamas, particularly from Iran. The resolution also supports Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Hamas and its allies.
Resolution Declares Hamas Must Be Stripped of Power in Gaza, Calls for Financial and Diplomatic Pressure
This resolution flat-out states that Hamas should have zero political or military control in Gaza. It's not just a suggestion; it's presented as a firm stance. The document spends a lot of time outlining Hamas's history, like its 1987 founding with the goal of eliminating Israel, and its designation as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 1997. It links Hamas to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking.
Gaza's Governance and Hamas's Grip
The resolution points out that Hamas has been running the Gaza Strip since 2007. It claims that Iran is a major financial backer, providing up to $100,000,000 annually to Palestinian groups, including Hamas, and supplying them with weapons and training. It also highlights Hamas's stated intent to continue attacks against Israel.
The Resolution's Demands
The core of the resolution is a two-pronged approach:
- No Power for Hamas: It explicitly affirms that Hamas should be removed from any position of power in Gaza.
- Cut Off the Cash Flow: It urges the President to use economic and diplomatic tools to choke off funding for Hamas, specifically targeting Iran and other potential sources.
Support for Israel
The resolution clearly backs Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, Iran, and any groups associated with Iran (referred to as "Iranian proxies").
What It Means
This resolution is essentially a strong statement of condemnation against Hamas and a call for action to weaken the organization. It's a clear signal of support for Israel and a tough stance against Iran. However, it's important to note what's not in the resolution: any discussion of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, or a broader plan for peace in the region. It's laser-focused on dismantling Hamas's power structure and cutting off its resources, with cited sections directly from the resolution text itself, such as the reference to Hamas's establishment in 1987 and its designation as a foreign terrorist organization on October 8, 1997.