Palmetto State News

Last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution stating that Hamas should not retain any political or military control over the Gaza Strip. The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Tom Cotton, Jackie Rosen, Katie Britt, and John Fetterman.

Senator Graham expressed satisfaction with the Senate's unified stance against Hamas: “I am very pleased the entire U.S. Senate spoke with moral clarity when it comes to the barbaric terrorist organization called Hamas. With one voice, the Senate said Hamas cannot be in charge of Gaza militarily or politically ever again."

Senator Blumenthal described Hamas as "an anathema—to Palestinians and Israelis alike," emphasizing their role as a barrier to peace: “Their barbarity and inhumanity is a terrorist scourge—demonstrated most tragically in the October 7 massacre—and a major barrier to peace and stability."

Senator Cotton stressed support for Israel: “Hamas is a group of murderous terrorists with American and Israeli blood on their hands. The United States must back Israel to the hilt."

Senator Rosen highlighted the violence committed by Hamas on October 7th: “Hamas terrorists murdered, raped, and kidnapped innocent civilians... I’m proud to have helped introduce and pass this bipartisan resolution."

Senator Britt underscored the need for strong measures against funding sources for terrorism: “I’m grateful for Senator Graham’s leadership... calling for our nation to use every tool in our toolbox to halt all sources of funding for Iranian-backed terrorists."

Finally, Senator Fetterman reiterated his commitment to supporting Israel's right to self-defense: “Hamas must be cut off from any grip on power. I stand with Israel and remain committed to its right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists who threaten its sovereignty.”

The resolution affirms that Hamas should not hold political or military control in Gaza, calls upon the President to use economic and diplomatic means to stop funding from Iran and other sources, and supports Israel's defense efforts.