Mike Rogers and Adam Smith denounce Hamas atrocities as “pure evil and inexcusable”

On Wednesday, Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03) and Adam Smith (D-Washington) released a joint statement denouncing the terrorist attacks on Israel over the last few days. Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, while Smith is the Ranking Member of the Committee. Collectively, the pair are the most powerful Republican and the most powerful Democrat on the House Committee that oversees all of the armed forces of the United States.

“Over the past few days, we have seen the horrific stories, images, and videos depicting the barbarism of Hamas terrorists who attacked Israel,” Rogers and Smith wrote. “These inhumane acts are pure evil and inexcusable – there is no ‘but.’ We urge all nations in the region to join us in our bipartisan call condemning these atrocities, to use their influence to discourage others from taking advantage of this situation, and to make it clear that terrorists and bad actors engaging in or exploiting the conflict will not be tolerated.”

According to news reports, over one thousand Israelis have been killed in the attacks. Many of them were women and children – in some cases, asleep in their beds. Another 2,800 were wounded in the unprovoked attacks. According to the White House, at least 14 Americans are among the dead. Over Israelis were taken back to Gaza as prisoners, including some Americans.

“We remain deeply concerned for the safety of the American and Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists – these hostages must be released,” Rogers and Smith stated. 

The U.S. carrier battle group led by the U.S.S. Gerald Ford (the newest supercarrier) moved into position off the coast of Israel to serve as a deterrent if anyone should use this moment as a pretext to attack Israel while the Israeli armed forces are preoccupied with dealing with Hamas and Hezbollah.

“Hamas didn’t consider the unbreakable spirit and strength of the people of Israel before the attack,” Rogers and Smith concluded. “We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel.”

President Joe Biden said in a statement, “This morning, I spoke with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu about the horrific and ongoing attacks in Israel. The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”

Republicans have criticized Biden for not holding Iran accountable when they are the number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world.

 Rogers is serving in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District.

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