Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) strongly criticized Hamas, calling the organization a cowardly terrorist group that hides behind civilians. He expressed his unwavering support for Israel and questioned Hamas' commitment to peace, suggesting that the group is more interested in clinging to power than ending the conflict.
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has emerged as a staunch supporter of Israel, drawing ire from progressive Democrats but unwavering in his condemnation of Hamas. In a recent interview with MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Fetterman defended Israel's airstrike on a Hamas compound in the Gazan city of Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinian civilians.
Fetterman argued that Hamas bears responsibility for the deaths by hiding behind civilians and using them as shields. He said the organization's actions further underscore the complexity of the conflict and the challenges Israel faces in combating terrorism while minimizing civilian casualties.
"Hamas, those cowards, hide behind civilians, and now it's becoming more and more [clear] that there was a dump of munitions there that exploded," Fetterman said. "That's where Hamas is hiding them, and that added more damage that way as well."
Fetterman's comments came in response to a question from MSNBC's Joe Scarborough about whether Israel had violated U.S. standards for future weapons support with the Rafah strike. While acknowledging the heartbreaking images from the region, Fetterman maintained that Hamas' actions must not be tolerated if peace is to be achieved.
"It's a very difficult situation in Gaza," Fetterman said. "But I do believe that Hamas [cannot] be allowed to operate if there's going to be any enduring peace in this situation."
Fetterman also cast doubt on Hamas' commitment to peace, pointing to the group's refusal to accept a cease-fire offer from Israel. He suggested that Hamas is more concerned with maintaining its power than ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.
"They don't seem to care how many die or anything," Fetterman said. "But I do believe Israel does try to minimize that, but it's a very difficult war when they have to wage a war when they have Hamas hiding behind the civilians."
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the Rafah strike targeted a Hamas compound where "significant Hamas terrorists were operating." The strike killed Hamas leader Yassin Rabia and senior official Khaled Nagar, both of whom had been responsible for several terrorist attacks in the past.
The IDF acknowledged that civilians were harmed in the strike, expressing regret for the loss of innocent lives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deaths a "tragic mistake," but emphasized that Israel's operations to eliminate Hamas in Gaza would continue.
Fetterman's support for Israel has drawn criticism from some progressives, who believe he is ignoring the suffering of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. However, Fetterman has argued that his stance is based on a belief in Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism and a commitment to a two-state solution.
"I believe that the best way to achieve a peaceful and just solution is through negotiations and diplomacy," Fetterman said. "But I also believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism and violence."
Fetterman's unwavering support for Israel and his willingness to condemn Hamas have set him apart from many of his progressive colleagues, who have been more critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. However, Fetterman's views reflect the complexity of the conflict and the need for a nuanced approach that balances support for Israel with a commitment to peace and human rights.
