Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus discusses the Gaza-Israel conflict, Israeli-Americans being held hostage, and the Biden administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East. Senate Republicans are raising concerns about the Biden administration’s $6 billion Iran deal, alleging that it may have indirectly funded Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 700 people and injuries to 2,000 others. The deal, which was reached last month, allowed for the transfer of Iran’s frozen assets to accounts in Qatar, with the U.S. having oversight of the funds’ usage for humanitarian purposes. However, Hamas spokesperson Ghazi Hamad claimed Iran’s support for the attacks, while a Wall Street Journal report suggested Hamas and Hezbollah’s involvement in planning the attack.
Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, called for President Biden to void the agreement and freeze the $6 billion payment if the funds have not been released to Iran. The urgency to retrieve American hostages held by Iran was emphasized by a counterterrorism expert, who issued a warning regarding the ongoing Israel war. Meanwhile, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip as part of their “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” urging Palestinians to attack Israelis. Republican Senator Rick Scott expressed his support for Israel’s defense against these terrorist acts and called for the destruction of those responsible.
Progressive “Squad” members, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, however, called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and condemned the attacks. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, responded by stating that Hamas’ sole purpose is to eliminate Israel and endorsed Israel’s permanent elimination of Hamas. In response to the attack, Israel formally declared war on Hamas, with the Biden administration affirming Israel’s right to self-defense and providing assistance to the Israel Defense Forces through the Pentagon. Republican Senator Bill Hagerty criticized lax sanctions enforcement and waivers that allowed Iran to fund terrorist proxies seeking to harm Israeli civilians and American personnel. Senator Ted Cruz also emphasized the U.S.’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Republican Senator Joni Ernst warned against appeasing Hamas, which is funded and supported by Iran, and emphasized the need to stand with allies and friends against ruthless regimes. The article concludes by mentioning that Adam Shaw and Gabriele Regalbuto contributed to the report, and it was written by Jamie Joseph, a writer covering politics and leading the digital coverage of the Senate.
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