WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2025) – McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack, when Hamas terrorists, backed by Iran, killed 1,200 people, and seized more than 240 hostages in the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
“Two years ago today, Hamas attacked the Israeli people in an abominable act of aggression. The ongoing terror campaigns conducted by Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran underscore the existential importance of stopping the Iranian-led cycle of terror in the region.
“The McCain Institute commends the proposed plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would result in freedom for the hostages that remain held by Hamas and ensure the protection of all civilians caught in the crossfire of this horrific conflict.
“In Gaza, widespread starvation and preventable deaths, including thousands of children, must be stopped. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter Gaza and food and medical supplies must be delivered to civilians.
“Beyond Gaza, the McCain Institute calls for a lasting peace based on a two-state solution, as well as an end to the threat posed by Iran to the state of Israel, the Israeli people and the international order.”
The McCain Institute’s Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative (FPPI) advocated for the return of all Israeli American hostages, helping to bring home Edan Alexander, the last living American held hostage in Gaza. The McCain Institute was glad the remains of Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gad Haggai were finally returned in June 2025, and calls for the repatriation of the deceased, including Itay Chen, 19, Omer Neutra, 22, and all others still held by Hamas.
To learn more about the McCain Institute’s John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative, visit www.mccaininstitute.org/fppi/.