Senators Ernst and Rosen urge Biden to increase pressure on Qatar in Hamas hostage negotiations

Senators on both sides of the aisle called on President Biden to increase pressure on Qatar to secure the release of more than 100 hostages still held captive in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.

Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) urged Biden, 81, to “further leverage the United States’ partnership with Qatar” and warn the Arab League member that its relations Continued diplomatic ties with the United States will be “significant” 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 significant funding, allowing Doha enormous access and influence with the group, including with respect to hostage negotiations,” wrote Ernst and Rosen in a letter Thursday to Biden.

The senators note that in addition to its close ties to Hamas, Qatar is also an “important non-NATO ally, hosts a large U.S. Air Force contingent at Al-Udeid Air Base and is a strategic center for US military operations in the Middle East. .

“We are concerned that Qatar is not fully using its influence to seek 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 failure to meet its commitments regarding the safe return of all remaining hostages will significantly affect relations. bilateral”.

“Time is of the essence to free the hostages, and all diplomatic options 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 United States is “closely monitoring” how it deals with Hamas. AFP via Getty Images

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“Time is of the essence to free the hostages, and all diplomatic options must be on the table to secure their release,” they added.

“Given Qatar’s unique ability to influence Hamas, it is imperative that Doha understand our expectation that negotiations will result in the release of all remaining hostages,” the lawmakers argued.

The White House believes that about eight Americans remain hostages held by Hamas. ZUMAPRESS.com

Ernst and Rosen’s plea echoes calls from some of the relatives of Americans kidnapped by Hamas during the terrorist group’s attack on Israel on October 7.

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old Itay Chen, told Fox News “Special Report” host Bret Baier last week that he believes the Biden administration should put “a little more” pressure on the international community as He works to free his son. son.

Itay Chen was on active duty with the Israel Defense Forces when he was kidnapped from his post near the Gaza border on October 7. Itay is among eight Americans believed to still be held captive in Palestinian territory.

“We believe that the United States, as the leader of the free world…maybe can push a little harder, specifically Egypt, Qatar and other influential players, to get an agreement, signed on the dotted line, to get the hostages, which It is a humanitarian crisis,” Ruby Chen said.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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