In the shadow of a tragedy that underscores the relentless brutality at the heart of Hamas, we are forced to confront a horrifying reality. The Israel Defense Forces have reported the recovery of the bodies of six hostages, brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. These young Israelis, abducted during the horrific attacks on October 7, were found in a tunnel in Rafah, bearing the cruel marks of their final moments—gunshot wounds that tell a tale of unbridled cruelty.
The victims are Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Ori Danino, 25; Alex Lobanov, 32; Carmel Gat, 40; and Almog Sarusi, 27. Their lives were snatched away in the most barbaric manner, highlighting once again the monstrous actions of Hamas, an organization that the United States and many other countries rightly designate as a terrorist group. Their ideology of hatred and their methods of operation reveals a grim disregard for human life.
When asked my thoughts about this horrific tragedy, my statement was the following:
“Once again, we see the evil and barbarism that is Hamas. They will never be a partner in any long-lasting and meaningful peace because all human life, both Israelis and Palestinians, are nothing more than expendable assets in their greater warfare to exterminate Israel and all the Jews. It is just that simple. The killing of the hostages should make that point crystal clear to the world and those who would criticize Israel for trying to defend themselves against extermination and to bring the hostages home.”
As Americans, we should all agree that Hamas represents nothing more than brutality and evilness. The international community, and indeed any party that champions human rights, must take a stark look at this event. It is a clarion call that Hamas, with its unyielding and brutal tactics, stands as an entity that values neither peace nor the sanctity of life—Israeli, Palestinian, or anyone for that matter. The killing of these hostages should erase any illusions about the nature of Hamas and serve as a grim reminder of the stakes at play.
As we mourn the loss of these young lives, we must not shy away from this moment to affirm our stand against terrorism in all its forms. The world must not falter in its resolve to denounce such acts of barbarism and must continue to support Israel‘s right to defend its citizens against such unprovoked and devastating violence. It’s time for the world to acknowledge that dealing with Hamas is not about negotiation; it’s about defending fundamental human values against those who would see them obliterated.
