Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and several other lawmakers introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives calling for the immediate and unconditional surrender of Hamas.
The resolution goes further to condemn the use of human shields by Hamas. The resolution notes that Hamas’ use of human shields is a violation of humanitarian law and a war crime. It also calls the action an “unjust, abominable, and indisputable threat” to civilians.
In addition to Fitzpatrick, a Republican, congressmen Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin; Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida; Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California; Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska; and Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, introduced to the resolution.
“I am proud to lead, alongside my colleagues Representatives Moskowitz, Gallagher, and Sherman this bipartisan condemnation of Hamas’ use of human shields. It is crucial that Congress denounces and demands an end to these horrific acts,” said Fitzpatrick in a statement. “Our resolution demonstrates an unequivocal opposition to Hamas’ blatant contravention of humanitarian law and complete disregard for the rights and dignity of civilian non-combatants.”
The October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas has claimed at least 1,200 Israeli lives and led to more than 200 hostages being taken. The Israeli attacks in response in Gaza has left thousands dead and destroyed large swaths of the area.
Read the text of the resolution here.
Following the attack in October, Fitzpatrick and seven other co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism condemned the violence.
“We also reject dehumanizing rhetoric, false equivalencies, and double standards targeting the Israeli people and the Jewish state. Tragically, when Israel is under attack, we witness a major increase in antisemitism and hate-filled violence against Jews around the world, and we have already seen an increase online. That is why we must remain vigilant towards any threats to the safety and security of the Jewish community in the days to come. Standing with our ally Israel, we reaffirm our commitment to countering terrorism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate,” the lawmakers said.
