Green Bay Reporter

Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and several of his colleagues have introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas' use of human shields and calling for their immediate and unconditional surrender. The resolution has received support from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Action.

In a statement, Rep. Gallagher emphasized the need for unity in condemning Hamas' tactics. He stated, "Hamas continues to use innocent hostages and civilians as human shields as a way to slow Israel's advance and attempt to build international pressure against Israel's right to self-defense." He called for action, urging Congress to pass not only the bipartisan resolution but also the Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act to impose and enforce sanctions against Hamas terrorists.

Joining Rep. Gallagher in leading the resolution is Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who emphasized the importance of denouncing and ending these horrific acts. He stated, "It is crucial that Congress denounces and demands an end to these horrific acts. 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."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) highlighted the devastating impact of Hamas' actions on innocent lives. He stated, "Countless innocent lives have been lost as Hamas has sacrificed them to be human shields and shot them if they didn't stay in place. Hamas wants as many dead civilians as possible to blame Israel and use for their propaganda."

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) denounced Hamas' use of human shields, calling it a barbaric act of evil. He stated, "Hamas has demonstrated their depravity by their willingness to use innocent civilians as human shields - placing military weaponry and headquarters in hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) further highlighted the atrocities committed by Hamas and emphasized the need to remove this terrorist organization. He stated, "After Hamas attacked Israel and brutally murdered, raped, burned alive, decapitated, and kidnapped more than 1,200 innocent civilians, including Americans, these terrorists continue to use Palestinian civilians as human shields, a cowardly practice that puts innocent lives at risk."

The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Action also expressed their support for the resolution, calling for the dismantling of Hamas. They stated, "The United States must support all efforts to deny, degrade, and dismantle Hamas' terrorist operations and infrastructure."

The resolution builds on previous legislation introduced by Rep. Gallagher. The Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act aims to improve the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against terrorist organizations and other malign actors that use innocent civilians as human shields.

This bipartisan resolution and the accompanying legislation highlight the commitment of these lawmakers to condemn Hamas' use of human shields and hold them accountable for their actions. The resolution seeks to bring attention to the plight of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and calls for the immediate and unconditional surrender of Hamas.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-fitzpatrick-lead-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-hamas-use-human