According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip initiated unexpected assaults on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of Isralis and foreign nationals, including Americans. Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamist organization that is recognized by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Since the initial attack, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing conflict. The Biden Administration declared support for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), calling on Congress to appropriate funds for security assistance. As the dynamics in the Middle East evolve, concerns over best approaches for humanitarian support to civilians still remain, and continued threats from Hamas are increasing chances of escalation. In November of 2023, Congress passed H.R. 340, the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, which allows for sanctions on foreign entities that offer specific types of support to Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or their associates.
Date of event: October 7, 2023
Impact:
- About 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed (including 35 Americans) (CRS)
- About 240 persons (including Americans) taken hostage (CRS)
- $8 billion in U.S. security assistance requested for Israel (CRS)
- As of early December 2023, the ensuing conflict had resulted in more than 18,000 Deaths of Palestinians in Gaza (CRS)
Related Resources:
- Hamas: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy [December 14, 2023]
- Israel and Hamas 2023 Conflict in Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress [Updated December 13, 2023]
- West Bank and Gaza Aid: USAID Generally Ensured Compliance with Anti-Terrorism Policies and Addressed Instances of Noncompliance, Report to Congressional Committees
- 5-Point Peace Plan to Protect Civilians, Address Trauma, Invest in Democracy, and Dismantle Hamas and the Israeli Occupation
- Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) [Updated October 20, 2023]
- Assisting and Evacuating U.S. Citizens Abroad During the Israel-Hamas Conflict and Other International Crises [October 20, 2023]
- Hamas Surprise Attack, Israel’s Response, and Risks of Escalation [presentation]
- Israel and Hamas: Major Conflict After Surprise Attacks [October 10, 2023]
- Hamas Network in America: A Short History
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