Helping people in Gaza is 'the stupidest idea': GOP senator

In a tense exchange with a reporter on Wednesday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) proclaimed that offering humanitarian aid to Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip is "stupid," following the terrorist attack against Israel by Hamas that has escalated tensions in the region and caused Israel to ramp up military efforts in the region.

"This is the stupidest idea when they are holding Americans hostage," snapped Scott in a video posted to X by White House columnist Brian J. Karem. "Let's talk about American hostages, get them out, and talk about these Americans that died before we ever think about giving money to them."

Scott then walked away before anyone could respond to his statement.

POLL: Should Trump be allowed to run for office?

Hamas, which is recognized internationally as a terrorist organization, reportedly does not have the support of a majority of Palestinian civilians, with polling showing a majority of Gazans both support an end to violence against Israel and the removal of Hamas from power in favor of the Palestinian Authority that currently administers the West Bank.

Despite this, Israeli measures to target Hamas have put many of these civilians in harm's way, as there are few ways to leave the densely-populated Gaza territory and Israel was blocking water, food, and supplies for many days, only relaxing some of these measures after international criticism. Compounding the problem is Hamas' explicit policy of using civilians as human shields.

The United States is a close ally of Israel and is committing military aid to their fight against terrorism. However, President Joe Biden has also pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Territories.

Watch the video below or at the link here.