House Overwhelming Passes Resolutions Recognizing Israel’s Right to Exist and Demands Hamas Release Hostages
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed two measures: one affirming Israel’s right to exist and the other demanding that Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the U.S., release the remaining hostages from the deadly massacre in Israel on Nov. 7, known in Israel as the “Black Sabbath.”
The House passed, with an overwhelming 412-1 vote, the measure introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) to recognize Israel’s right to exist. It also declared that denying the Jewish state’s right to exist is a form of antisemitism and called on lawmakers to reject calls for Israel’s destruction.
“Every member should be on record in support of Israel‘s right to exist,” stated Representative Lawler. He continued and said, “If they can’t muster the courage to support Israel‘s right to exist at this moment, they don’t belong in Congress, period.”
Ms. Tlaib (D-MI) opted for a “present” vote on the bill, with the sole “no” vote coming from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Lawmakers unanimously also supported Rep. Haley Stevens’ (D-MI) resolution, which calls for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The bill garnered over 230 co-sponsors.
Hamas still holds approximately 160 hostages out of the 240 seized during the “Black Sabbath.” The only American hostage traded during the temporary truce was a 4-year-old girl.
“For 52 days, more than 200 people have been held in tunnels without medical care or sufficient food. For 52 days, their families have been waiting with bated breath to learn the fate of their loved ones – tiny babies, parents, elderly people,” Rep. Haley Stevens stated in a press release.
“It is inhumane, immoral, and a violation of humanitarian law. Recent releases of hostages are a positive step, but it is not enough. After weeks of working with the families of hostages, I’m heartened that every single one of my colleagues voted to support this resolution this evening and that all my colleagues joined me in condemning the actions of Hamas and calling for the immediate release of ALL innocent civilians held, including nine Americans. I will not stop until each and every hostage is safely returned.”
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