A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), introduced a resolution affirming that Hamas should no longer be allowed to exercise political or military control of the Gaza Strip.
“One of the defining moments for the future of the Middle East and the world at large is to state directly and with moral clarity that Hamas—a terrorist organization—will no longer have political or military control of Gaza at the end of this conflict,” Graham stated in a press release announcing the measure.
Besides launching the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage into Gaza, Hamas has “oppressed the Palestinian people under their control,” Graham said. “Hamas exists to destroy Israel, not to bring a better life for the Palestinian people.”
An existing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is teetering as the terror group said that it will delay any further hostage releases, claiming Israel is abrogating terms of the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have threatened to move militarily if the captives are not set free on Feb. 15.
The senators sponsoring the resolution said Hamas has forfeited any right to remain in control of Gaza.
“Hamas is an anathema—to Palestinians and Israelis alike, indeed to all who live in the region,” said the lead Democratic sponsor, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. “Their barbarity and inhumanity is a terrorist scourge—demonstrated most tragically in the Oct. 7 massacre—and a major barrier to peace and stability. Eliminating Hamas ought to be common ground as a paramount goal.”
Besides affirming that Hamas can’t continue to retain any political or military control in Gaza, the resolution also calls upon Trump to work to halt all sources of funding for the group and reiterates American support for Israel against Iran and its proxies, including Hamas.
“Our support for Israel’s right to defend herself is unwavering as they work to bring every single hostage home,” said Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), another sponsor of the resolution. “The threat of Hamas must be ended permanently. Only through strength can we achieve lasting, sustainable peace.”
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), another sponsor, said removing Hamas from power is needed “to best ensure the safety and security of Israel, as well as the Palestinian people.”
“It is imperative we continue to push for diplomatic solutions to the current conflict, which must make abundantly clear that there is no future for Hamas in the Middle East,” Rosen said.
