The tragic discovery of six hostages killed in a tunnel under Gaza has ignited a wave of political reactions in the United States. While Democratic lawmakers renewed their calls for an immediate ceasefire, Republican officials criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for failing to provide stronger support to Israel.
The Israeli military recovered the bodies of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American citizen, and five other hostages from the tunnel. The news sparked protests in Israel, as many expressed outrage over the failure to save their loved ones. President Biden offered condolences to the family of Goldberg-Polin, who had appeared at the Democratic National Convention just last month. The White House also announced a virtual meeting between national security adviser Jake Sullivan and the families of American hostages held by Hamas.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin voiced the sentiment of many in his party, calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow for the release of remaining hostages, humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, and a long-term vision for peace. Meanwhile, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is another hostage with American citizenship, accused the government of Benjamin Netanyahu of refusing to engage in negotiations with Hamas, claiming that the military and intelligence community have been advocating for an end to the conflict for weeks.
Republican lawmakers, on the other hand, focused their criticism on the Biden administration. Senator Tom Cotton accused the administration of emboldening Hamas by calling for a ceasefire, while Senator Lindsey Graham urged more pressure on Iran, Hamas’ main sponsor. He suggested targeting Iranian oil refineries if hostages are not released.
Vice President Kamala Harris, in a statement released just before midnight on Saturday, condemned Hamas for the deaths but did not explicitly call for a ceasefire. She later expressed condolences to the family of Goldberg-Polin, highlighting the brutality of Hamas’ actions.
The incident has intensified the political debate over the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with Democrats emphasizing the need for diplomacy and a ceasefire, while Republicans prioritize a stronger stance against Hamas and its supporters. The situation remains volatile, with the fate of remaining hostages and the potential for further escalation hanging in the balance.
