In response to a series of attacks on the State of Israel by Hamas originating from the Gaza Strip, a third of the members of the United States Senate penned a letter to Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft to designate Hamas as a terror group.
The letter, which was initiated by Senators Ted Cruz and Kristen Gillibrand, was signed by 34 senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Its main purpose was to ask the Ambassador to work with other members of the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court to formally recognize Hamas as a terror organization and hold them responsible for their actions.
The letter laid out the series of events that occurred on October 3rd, 4th and 7th of 2020, stating that Hamas launched more than a thousand rockets at Israel, killing two civilians and injuring dozens. Furthermore, the letter stated that Israel has the inherent right to self-defense and that it is the UN’s post to protect that right.
The Senators argued that such a designation is long overdue. They stressed how since its establishment in 1987, Hamas has been behind countless acts of terrorism that have caused mass casualties. Furthermore, that Hamas has remained firm in its commitment to continue terrorizing the population of Israel through its ideologies, policy, and rocket attacks.
In light of this, the Letter asked for fundraising activities by Hamas to be blocked and frozen. It stated that this was necessary to ensure the safety of the people of Israel and prevent any further catastrophic events from occurring.
Overall, the Letter aimed to take one step further in the fight against terrorism by designating Hamas as a terror group. A move that would put pressure on the UN to take definitive measures against terror organizations that threaten the peace and security of those around them.
