SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan group of senators, including Senators Ben Cardin, Jim Risch, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Chris Coons, Richard Blumenthal, and Jacky Rosen, along with Senator Ted Budd, have issued a statement urging Qatar to renew pressure on Hamas to release hostages. The senators emphasized the importance of the relationship between the United States and Qatar in addressing the ongoing hostage situation, particularly in light of the events of October 7th.

In their statement, the senators expressed gratitude for Qatar's efforts thus far in mediating the release of hostages and called on the country to intensify its efforts to secure the immediate release of all individuals held by Hamas. They also made it clear that if Hamas does not engage in reasonable negotiations, Qatar should reconsider its support for the group.

Senator Budd has been actively involved in advocating for the release of hostages, including through meetings with Qatari officials and public statements urging action. Following a trip to the Middle East and interactions with affected families, Senator Budd has been vocal about the need for Qatar to do more to ensure the safe return of all hostages.

The senators stressed that Qatar plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, and they expressed hope for continued strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the future.

The ongoing efforts and statements from Senators Budd, Cardin, Risch, Ernst, Tillis, Coons, Blumenthal, and Rosen highlight the bipartisan support for resolving the hostage situation and maintaining diplomatic pressure on Hamas to release all hostages.