House Republicans turn up heat on Biden to broker ‘expedient release’ of Hamas hostages, support Israel

FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans exhorted President Biden to "ensure the expedient release" of U.S. citizens being held hostage by Hamas terrorists and voice Israel's "inviolable right to self-defense."

"We write today to express our full support for the State of Israel in its fight against Hamas. Specifically, we urge your administration to do everything in your power to ensure the safe and expedient release of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza in the wake of the vicious October 7th attack," the letter from Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., to the White House said.

"Further, we implore the White House to show unwavering support for Israel and to spare no effort to assist the Jewish state in its mission to 1) defeat Hamas and 2) ensure the release of these hostages during this particularly trying time in Israel’s history," the letter said.

Fry was joined by 15 GOP lawmakers to demand support for Israel.

NETANYAHU NOT CONSULTED ON STRIKE THAT KILLED HAMAS LEADER'S 3 SONS, ISRAELI MEDIA REPORTS

The unexpected and overwhelming assault by at least 1,500 Hamas fighters, who poured into Israel by land and sea, killed about 1,200 people on Oct. 7, 2023.

More than 250 people were taken hostage and moved to Hamas’ Gaza stronghold.

"While we recognize the magnitude and complexity of this situation, we must not forget that these savage terrorists have raped and pillaged their way across Israel’s southern communities," the letter said.

5 American citizens

Among the hostages, U.S. officials have said that five are American citizens, though it is unclear whether they are alive.

"As you know, five American citizens are still believed to be hostages of Hamas: Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Omer Neutra, Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Keith