Senators from both sides of the aisle urged President Biden to increase pressure on Qatar to secure the release of more than 100 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) urged Biden, 81, to “further leverage the US partnership with Qatar” and warned the Arab League member that his continued diplomatic ties with the US would “significantly” give effect if it does not do more to convince Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
“Qatar maintains close ties to Hamas, hosts senior Hamas leaders, and provides the organization with substantial funding, giving Doha inordinate access and influence with the group, including with regard to hostage negotiations,” Ernst and Rosen wrote in the letter. Thursday to Biden.
The senators noted that along with its close ties to Hamas, Qatar is also “a key non-NATO ally, hosts a large US Air Force contingent at Al-Udeid Air Base, and is a strategic hub for US military operations in the Middle East. .
“We are concerned that Qatar is not using its full influence to obtain further concessions from Hamas,” the senators wrote.
“Therefore, we ask that you make clear to Qatar that the United States is closely monitoring the ongoing hostage negotiations and convey that Qatar’s inability to fulfill its commitment regarding the safe return of all remaining hostages will have a significant impact on bilateral relations.”
“Time is of the essence to free the hostages — and every diplomatic option must be on the table to secure their release,” Ernst and Rosen wrote in a letter to Biden. Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/Shutterstock The senators urged Biden to warn Qatar that the US is “watching closely” how it deals with Hamas. AFP via Getty Images
“Time is of the essence to free the hostages – and every diplomatic option must be on the table to secure their release,” they added.
“Given Qatar’s unique ability to influence Hamas, it is important that Doha understands our expectation that negotiations result in the release of all remaining hostages,” the lawmaker said.
The White House believes about eight Americans are still being held hostage by Hamas. ZUMAPRESS.com
The plea from Ernst and Rosen echoes calls from several family members of Americans kidnapped by Hamas during the terrorist group’s October 7 attack on Israel.
Ruby Chen, the father of 19-year-old Itay Chen, told Fox News “Special Report” host Bret Baier last week that he felt the Biden administration should put “a little more” pressure on the international community as it worked to free him. son.
Itay Chen was on active duty with the Israel Defense Forces when he was abducted from his post near the Gaza border on October 7. Itay is among eight Americans believed to be still in custody in the Palestinian territories.
“We feel that the United States, as the leader of the free world … may be able to put more pressure, especially on Egypt, Qatar, other influential players, to complete the agreement, signed on the dotted line, to get the hostages out, which is a humanitarian crisis, ” said Ruby Chen.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
