In the wake of a controversial hostage transfer, U.S. lawmakers call for the eradication of Hamas and emphasize the need for accountability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tensions escalated on Thursday as U.S. officials and lawmakers issued stark condemnations of Hamas following the release of a video showing Palestinian crowds cheering the return of militants involved in hostage transfers. The scenes prompted bipartisan calls for decisive action against the Gaza-based terror group, with demands ranging from accountability to its total eradication.

Adam Boehler, who served as President Donald Trump’s U.S. hostage affairs envoy, delivered a blunt warning to Hamas in an interview with CNN: “If I were them, I would release everybody right now or it’s going to be total annihilation.” His remarks underscored growing frustration over Hamas’ refusal to free remaining hostages, including women and children, amid stalled negotiations.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) condemned the public displays of support for Hamas in Gaza, telling Jewish Insider’s Emily Jacobs that the hostage transfer ceremony revealed the extent of the group’s local backing. “This is a reflection of the kind of support Hamas has among the Palestinian people,” Fetterman said, adding that such support comes with “accountability” for the terror group’s actions.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) echoed calls for aggressive measures, demanding “the military and political annihilation of Hamas” after viewing the footage of jubilant crowds. “There is no middle ground—Hamas cannot be allowed to survive as a military or political entity,” Graham asserted.

The hardened rhetoric contrasted with earlier optimism from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who had told reporters Thursday morning that negotiations for a hostage deal “have a real chance of success.” However, the day’s events—including Hamas’ alleged violation of prior agreements—appeared to dampen prospects for a swift resolution.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio amplified the urgency in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Hamas is evil—pure evil—and must be eradicated. ALL hostages must come home NOW.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned Hamas’ actions, revealing that the group had failed to return a young mother, Shiri Bibas, and her two infant children as part of a recent agreement. Instead, he said, Hamas “put the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin” in a “cynical” deception. “The cruelty of the Hamas monsters knows no bounds,” Netanyahu stated, vowing to “ensure Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation.”

The prime minister reiterated Israel’s commitment to recovering all hostages, dead or alive, and dismantling Hamas’ capabilities. “We will work resolutely to bring Shiri home together with all our hostages,” he said.

The escalating condemnations highlight the deepening international resolve to confront Hamas as the conflict enters a critical phase, with pressure mounting on both diplomatic and military fronts.

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