According to a spokesperson for Hamas, the terrorist group has confirmed receiving aid from Iran, as reported by the BBC.
Many observers interpret this revelation as an attempt to disrupt the ongoing peace talks between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East.
Republicans in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have strongly criticized the Biden administration for its negotiations with the Islamic Republic, including the unfreezing of $6 billion worth of Iranian assets in early August in exchange for the release of five imprisoned Americans.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) expressed her concerns, stating, "Just weeks ago, the Biden administration handed over $6 billion to Iran, and today, innocent Israelis were murdered by Iran-backed terrorists. We must continue to support our strongest ally in the Middle East and their right to defend themselves against these unprovoked, horrific attacks."
Representative Dan Bishop (R-NC) also condemned the White House for its recent dealings with Iran, given its unwavering support for Hamas. He wrote on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), "Biden just gave Hamas sponsor Iran $6 billion. Today, innocent Israeli citizens have paid with their lives for his and the Obama holdovers' venal incompetence. America must unflinchingly support Israel's right of self-defense in all its fullness. God bless and save Israel."
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) criticized President Joe Biden, stating, "President Joe Biden 'funded this attack when he bowed to Iran and gave $6 BILLION to this evil regime that starts every day plotting to destroy Israel.' While Biden is silent, his appeasement of Iran and Hamas terrorists is heard in every siren blaring across Israel."
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a Republican presidential hopeful, went even further, suggesting that the White House not only invited this aggression but also paid for it. He said, "Iran is the biggest funder of Hamas. This is the Biden $6 billion ransom payment at work."
The State Department has rejected these accusations, emphasizing that the money associated with the deal "remains in Doha" and is specifically designated for social services. Department spokesperson Matt Miller clarified, "Let's be clear: the deal to bring U.S. citizens home from Iran has nothing to do with the horrific attack on Israel. Not a penny has been spent, and when it is, it can only go for humanitarian needs like food and medicine. Anything to the contrary is false."
Nation Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson echoed this sentiment, stating, "These funds have absolutely nothing to do with the horrific attacks today, and this is not the time to spread disinformation."
Login