(RightIsRight.co) – Highlighting the severity of the crisis in Israel, several family members of hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip voiced their anguish during a press conference held by House Republicans.
On October 7, Hamas launched attacks against Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of more than 200 civilians. The families of these hostages joined Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republicans to share their heart-wrenching stories and demand immediate action.
Speaker Johnson characterized the situation as a struggle between light and darkness, good and evil. He expressed his support for Israel, a cherished friend and ally, as it battles against the Iran-backed terrorists of Hamas. He stated, “I am honored to introduce these families to you today.”
One man whose two younger brothers were kidnapped during the Hamas attacks shared his harrowing experience. He said, “On Oct. 7, my life stopped when my two younger brothers were kidnapped. We are pleading with you, the world, to help us, to speak with Hamas. We have no clue what happened to them; we only know they are in Gaza. We don’t know if they are injured, if they are together, if they are still alive. For 31 days, for a whole month, my community was butchered. We’ve been to more funerals in a week than I’ve been in my entire life… We need action. We need action now.”
The U.S. has been collaborating with Israel and Qatar, the latter of which has been mediating negotiations with Hamas, to secure the release of the hostages. According to The Associated Press, Hamas released two hostages on October 20, followed by two more on October 23. Israel separately rescued a hostage on October 30. However, the whereabouts and conditions of most hostages remain unknown.
An Israeli resident whose brother was kidnapped by Hamas echoed the call for action. He expressed his gratitude to everyone present and the U.S. for its assistance but stressed that it was insufficient.
The Israeli-American mother of a 26-year-old hostage also shared her desperation. She said, “Every day is like an eternity to me, and I can’t wait any longer. I need your help.”
The White House has yet to respond to a request for comment.
