Pfluger: Israel Has Right to Eliminate Evil Terrorist Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement in response to Israel receiving the bodies of four innocent hostages who were murdered by Hamas in captivity after the terrorist organization paraded the bodies through the streets of Gaza.

"Four innocent hostages were murdered in cold blood by Hamas while in captivity, and today, the barbaric terrorist organization proceeded to parade the victims' bodies through the streets of Gaza before returning them to Israel,” Pfluger stated. “This is heartbreaking and a sobering reminder that Hamas is a radical group with no value or regard for human life. Israel has every right to eliminate this evil terrorist network, and America must stand by Israel in full support. Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of the deceased hostages: Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two young sons."

Hamas threatened to keep the bodies after the Red Cross initially refused to take part in the handover ceremony, according to Israel’s Channel 12. 

However, Red Cross representatives eventually agreed to sign documents on stage to receive the bodies.

The coffins were transported to the Israeli Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip, where they underwent an evaluation by a bomb squad to ensure the terrorists did not booby trap them, as they had done to other bodies on Oct. 7, according to the Daily Wire.