WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the October 7^thHamas attacks on Israel:

“Today marks one year since Iran-backed Hamas brutally attacked Israel during the Jewish holiday, Shemini Atzeret. Hamas slaughtered roughly 1,200, including more than 40 Americans, and took hundreds more hostage, making October 7 the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Today, we remember those who lost their lives and honor the resilience of those grieving loved ones. May their memories be with each of us as they continue to battle this unthinkable evil. Sadly, nearly 100 hostages remain imprisoned, including four American citizens. We must bring them home.

“Over the last year, Iran proxies’ near-constant operations have terrorized Israel and destabilized the region. Iran’s direct April 13^th and October 1^st ballistic missile attacks prove they intend to make good on their promise to vaporize Israel.  Every day Tehran is allowed to inch closer to a nuclear weapon threatens Israel’s right to exist.  Israel has every right to defend itself—up to and including strikes into Iran to dismantle their nuclear program. During this volatile time, the U.S. cannot waver in our support of Israel, our staunch ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. Today, one year later, America’s commitment is the same: we stand firmly with Israel.” 

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