Kathy Manning: “On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal invasion of our ally Israel, killing more Jews than on any single…”

“On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal invasion of our ally Israel, killing more Jews than on any single day since the Holocaust and taking hundreds of hostages. Mr. Speaker, 1 year later, thousands of families continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones, and the families of the remaining hostages continue to long for their safe return, including the family of Keith Siegel from my home State of North Carolina. The unspeakable horrors Hamas has inflicted on innocent civilians, including terrifying sexual violence and its ongoing torment of the hostages, should shock the conscience of the entire world. Just last month, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American citizen, was brutally murdered along with five other hostages in the Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza as they were about to be rescued by the IDF. Since October 7, more than 40 American citizens have been killed by Hamas terrorists, and at least 10 remain hostages. As we mark the anniversary of Hamas' devastating attack, I am grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris for their unwavering commitment to securing the return of all hostages and for their clear recognition that the onus is on Hamas to accept a proposed deal. Just last month, Israel accepted the terms for a deal. The responsibility continues to lie with Hamas to release the hostages and accept the deal on the table.…”