Media Contact 202-226-8467

Austin, TX – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul has released the following statement in response to the unprecedented attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. The situation is continuing to develop, but there are reports that at least 40 Israelis have been killed and hundreds more injured.

“I strongly condemn Iran-backed Hamas terrorists’ unprecedented assault on Israel. I am shocked by the barbaric images we are seeing of Hamas’ violence and by reports Hamas is taking innocent Israeli citizens hostage. The United States grieves with Israel as they mourn their murdered citizens today. This horrifying violence must end. This is why I strongly support robust U.S. security assistance to Israel – because Israel always needs to be ready and able to fight back at any time. Israel has a right to defend itself and the United States stands with our friend and ally.”

###