American Lawmakers Respond to Unprecedented Hamas Attack Against Israel

In a shocking and brutal surprise attack, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli towns, unleashing a barrage of violence that has plunged Israel into a state of war. The early morning assault on a major Jewish holiday has left hundreds dead, others abducted, and a nation grappling with its deadliest attack in decades.

Israel, now in a declared state of war, vows to retaliate and inflict an "unprecedented price" on Hamas.

Hamas terrorists, utilizing a multi-faceted approach, infiltrated as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip, including towns and communities up to 15 miles from the Gaza border. The terrorists, armed and ruthless, roamed freely in some areas for hours, killing civilians and soldiers alike.

The death toll has totaled more than 300 people and more than 1,500 wounded, marking it as the deadliest attack in Israel in decades.

International Response

The international community has been swift to respond, with leaders worldwide expressing their stances on the unfolding situation. President Joe Biden decried the "unconscionable" Hamas attack and warned Israel’s enemies not to exploit the crisis.

President Trump blamed the Biden administration stating at a campaign event in Iowa,  "The Israeli attack was made because we are perceived as being weak and ineffective and with a really weak leader."

Governor DeSantis echoed Trump's position comparing the attacks to 9/11 and pointed to the administration's recent release of funds to Iran, calling it a "disgrace."

Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, vocalized their support as well.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (pictured) affirmed that Israel "has every right to defend itself and its people against this barbarous onslaught."

Sen. Rick Scott called for "every American ally & partner" to "swiftly condemn [the] invasion & actions of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks."

Rep. Cory Mills' analysis of larger implications of the attack highlight the dangers of viewing "incidents in isolation and [failing] to recognize the larger strategy" of bad actors including Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea.

However, members of the progressive "Squad", including Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, issued statements later in the day, reflecting a different perspective. Their statements read as if they were written together.

Rep. Pressley called for an "immediate ceasefire & de-escalation," while citing a "cycle of violence and trauma."

Omar echoed that position and called the situation a "back and forth cycle" and calling for a "deescalation and ceasefire."

AOC's statement boldly asserts Israel is responsible for "ongoing oppression and occupation in the region," and also called for "an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation."

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian and supports the anti-Israel BDS movement, has not yet issued an official statement.

The common denominator in these statements reflects a position that Israel should not retaliate, that it should lay down its arms in a cease-fire, and that a “cycle of violence” – Israeli violence – is to blame.

Clapping back at these sentiments is Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who tweeted:

The tweet generated significant backlash from Hamas sympathizers, including Rep. Omar who retweeted a comment reading "A U.S. Congressman suggesting 2 million people in Gaza should be collectively punished for the actions of Hamas."

While there appears to be widespread and global support for Israel in the wake of this attack, once Israel initiates a response, the tide will likely shift. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "This war will take time. It will be difficult." He promised that the military would utilize all its strength to dismantle Hamas's capabilities and avenge the dark day that has befallen Israel.