Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas, the Iran-backed terror group, launched premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel, targeting the Israeli people; Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded more than 20 communities bordering the Gaza Strip and attacked innocent young people attending the Tribe of Nova music festival; Whereas, since October 7, 2023, Hamas has killed more than 1,400 Israelis, along with at least 30 United States citizens, and wounded nearly 4,000 people; Whereas reports and videos have surfaced of Hamas executing Israeli civilians, including entire families being slaughtered and horrific acts of violence targeting young children; Whereas, since October 7, 2023, Hamas has fired more than 5,000 rockets into Israel; Whereas it is estimated that nearly 240 people were abducted and are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip; Whereas more than 20 countries have verified their citizens were either killed or are unaccounted for, with many believed to be taken hostage by Hamas; Whereas children and the elderly are among those taken hostage by Hamas; Whereas some hostages, including multiple United States citizens, are known to be in dire need of urgent medical assistance; Whereas Hamas has threatened to execute hostages and broadcast the executions publicly; Whereas, in 1997, the United States designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization; Whereas United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas in the strongest terms and unequivocally called for the immediate release of all abducted persons ; and Whereas the deliberate murder and hostage-taking of innocent civilians are prohibited by international law: Now, therefore, be it