CONTENTS

• Key Points
• Background
• Recommended Actions for Public Officials
• Detailed Facts and Developments

KEY POINTS

• Hamas refused to release any additional hostages despite multiple ceasefire extensions and rejected two separate U.S.-backed proposals.
• Israel resumed military operations on March 18, 2025, following Hamas’ refusal and growing security threats.
• Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, both living and deceased, under inhumane conditions.
• During the temporary ceasefire, Hamas seized humanitarian aid, using it to restock its military while civilians suffered.
• The renewed military operation was fully coordinated with the United States, reflecting a shared security assessment.
• Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas’ military and governance structure to prevent future terror attacks.

BACKGROUND

On January 19, 2025, Israel agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage release and humanitarian aid agreement. The ceasefire was brokered through intensive negotiations involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, with the goal of securing the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas while allowing for increased humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. In line with the agreement, Israel paused military operations and facilitated the entry of 25,200 aid trucks carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza.

The initial phase of the hostage deal was completed 17 days ago, during which Israel upheld its commitments by allowing aid to flow into Gaza and holding back military action. However, as negotiations continued for the release of additional hostages, Hamas refused to cooperate and outright rejected two separate U.S.-backed proposals. Despite multiple mediation efforts, Hamas failed to release a single additional hostage, instead choosing to exploit the ceasefire period to strengthen its military capabilities.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Public officials play a critical role in demonstrating solidarity with Israel and supporting efforts to bring hostages home. With Hamas’ continued refusal to release hostages and its exploitation of humanitarian aid, American policymakers can take meaningful steps to support Israel’s security and counter Hamas’ ongoing aggression.

1. Express Public Support for Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

• Reaffirm Israel’s right and obligation to protect its citizens and recover its hostages.
• Condemn Hamas’ refusal to release the 59 hostages and its continued use of civilians as human shields.
• Reject false equivalencies between Israel’s lawful military actions and Hamas’ terrorism.
• Highlight Hamas’ exploitation of humanitarian aid and how it actively worsens conditions for civilians in Gaza.
• Call for Hamas’ surrender.

2. Urge the Administration & International Partners to Increase Pressure on Hamas

• Call for the unconditional release of all hostages.
• Support stronger diplomatic efforts and sanctions against Hamas and its backers, including Iran and Qatar.
• Advocate for stricter oversight of humanitarian aid to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies for military use.

3. Support Legislative Resolutions & Policy Actions in Your Jurisdiction

• Introduce or back resolutions condemning Hamas and reaffirming solidarity with Israel.
• Ensure that state resources are not directly or indirectly supporting Hamas-affiliated groups or entities advocating for its agenda.
• Enhance security measures to counter rising antisemitism, particularly in schools, universities, and public spaces.

4. Engage with the Israeli-American and pro-Israel Communities in Your Jurisdiction

• Meet with local Israeli-American and pro-Israel leaders to better understand community concerns.
• Amplify personal stories of hostages and their families to highlight the humanitarian stakes.
• Ensure that local law enforcement is responsive to threats against Jewish communities amid rising antisemitic incidents.

5. Counter Misinformation & Anti-Israel Narratives

• Educate constituents on Hamas’ documented war crimes and how it exploits civilians for propaganda.
• Reject misleading casualty figures provided by Hamas-controlled sources in Gaza.
• Push back against calls for a one-sided ceasefire that would only allow Hamas to regroup and rearm.

BOTTOM LINE

Hamas is not a legitimate governing body—it is a terrorist organization that systematically violates human rights, international law, and humanitarian norms. The only path to stability in Gaza is the complete dismantling of Hamas and the return of all hostages. U.S. state officials can play an important role by standing firmly in support of Israel’s right to defend itself and ensuring that American policy does not enable Hamas to continue its reign of terror.

International Recognition of Hamas as a Terrorist Organization

Hamas is widely recognized as a terrorist organization by governments and international bodies across the globe due to its long-standing pattern of violence, attacks on civilians, and refusal to engage in peaceful resolution efforts. The United States designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997, a status that remains unchanged due to the group’s continued involvement in terrorist activities. Similarly, Canada classified Hamas as a terrorist entity in 2002, restricting its financial and operational capabilities.

The European Union has maintained Hamas on its terrorist list since 2003, prohibiting member states from providing material support to the group. The United Kingdom initially designated Hamas’ military wing as a terrorist organization in 2001 but extended this designation to the entire organization in 2021. In 2022, Australia followed suit, listing Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organization in recognition of its ongoing acts of terrorism and human rights abuses.

Other countries have also taken decisive action against Hamas:

• New Zealand reclassified Hamas as a terrorist entity in February 2024.
• Paraguay officially recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization in July 2024.
• Argentina designated Hamas as a terrorist group in July 2024.
• Switzerland moved forward with a full ban on Hamas in September 2024.

These global designations reflect a broad consensus that Hamas is not a legitimate governing body but a terrorist organization that engages in systematic violence, hostage-taking, and the exploitation of civilians. Its continued actions—most recently its refusal to release Israeli hostages—further reinforce its status as an obstacle to peace and a threat to regional and global security.

DETAILED FACTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

1. Hamas’ Refusal to Release Hostages & Breakdown of Negotiations

• Renewed fighting began 17 days after the completion of the first phase of the hostage deal due to zero progress in negotiations for additional releases.
• Hamas rejected two separate proposals presented by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, blocking diplomatic efforts to secure the release of more hostages.
• There are currently 59 hostages in Gaza, both living and deceased. Hamas continues to subject them to starvation, physical abuse, and psychological torture—a clear violation of international law.
• Hamas used the ceasefire to strengthen its terror infrastructure while refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations.

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2. IDF Military Operations (March 18, 2025)

• Under direct orders from the Israeli government, the IDF launched targeted strikes overnight (March 18) across the entire Gaza Strip.
• Operations focus solely on Hamas terror infrastructure to degrade its military and operational capabilities.
• Israel is operating in full accordance with international law, making every effort to minimize civilian harm.
• Casualty figures reported by Hamas are unreliable and should not be taken at face value.

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3. Israel’s Security Priorities & War Objectives

• Israel will not allow Hamas to continue governing Gaza or to maintain a military presence that threatens Israeli civilians.
• Israel is committed to preventing a repeat of the October 7 massacre and eliminating Hamas’ ability to wage future attacks.
• The IDF is escalating operations with increasing military force until Hamas’ governing and military capabilities are completely dismantled.
• The only acceptable resolution is Hamas’ full disarmament and the unconditional return of all hostages.

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4. U.S.-Israel Coordination & Expectations from Allies

• The return to fighting was fully coordinated with the United States and reflects a shared security assessment between the two allies.
• Israel expects clear international support and calls on world leaders to demand Hamas release the hostages immediately.

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5. Hamas’ Exploitation of Humanitarian Aid & Ceasefire Violations

• During the temporary ceasefire, Israel facilitated the entry of 25,200 aid trucks carrying food, fuel, and essential supplies into Gaza.
• Hamas systematically seized humanitarian aid, diverting it to its military stockpiles and leaving civilians without resources.
• For the first time in years, Hamas resumed paying full salaries to its operatives, showing that humanitarian aid is now a primary funding source for the terror group.
• Hamas used the ceasefire to rebuild its military infrastructure, including:
  • Restocking weapons & ammunition
  • Re-establishing rocket launch sites
  • Recruiting and redeploying fighters across Gaza
• Hamas is hoarding aid supplies in its own storage facilities while manipulating the civilian population to pressure Israel.

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6. Israel’s Humanitarian Response & Policy Adjustments

• Due to Hamas’ exploitation of humanitarian aid, Israel has halted the entry of supplies that Hamas diverts for terror purposes.
• Hamas’ use of aid to support military efforts constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law.
• Israel remains committed to facilitating aid that directly benefits Gaza’s civilians—without strengthening Hamas.

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7. Key Facts About the Hostage Crisis

• There are currently 59 hostages in Gaza, both alive and deceased.
• The hostages are suffering brutal and inhumane treatment, including:
  • Starvation and severe malnutrition
  • Physical abuse and torture
  • Psychological abuse and forced isolation
• Hamas continues to reject all negotiated release offers, choosing to prolong the suffering of both hostages and civilians in Gaza.

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8. Israel’s War Objectives Moving Forward

Israel remains fully committed to:

1. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages—both living and deceased.
2. The complete dismantling of Hamas’ governmental and military capabilities.
3. The permanent elimination of the terrorist threat from Gaza.
4. Ensuring that Gaza never again serves as a launching pad for attacks against Israel.