SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd has issued a statement following the confirmation by the Israeli Defense Forces that U.S.-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists during attacks on October 7, 2023. Neutra's body remains in Gaza.

Senator Budd expressed his condolences: “We are deeply saddened by the confirmation of Omer Neutra’s death. Since October 7th, we have gotten to know Omer’s parents and are devastated for them. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Omer’s friends and loved ones. This news is further proof of the true evil of Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government must not relent until all those responsible for Omer’s murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.”

Since the attacks, Senator Budd has been active in addressing the hostage situation involving Americans in Gaza. On October 25, 2023, he spoke on the Senate floor about holding humanitarian aid to Gaza until all American hostages were safe at home.

On November 6, he met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani urging Qatar to leverage its influence over Hamas leaders residing in Doha for the release of hostages.

In subsequent months, Senator Budd continued his efforts through meetings with international leaders and statements calling for action against Hamas leaders residing in Qatar. He emphasized these demands during a congressional delegation trip to the Middle East in January 2024.

Throughout this period, Senator Budd made several public statements regarding developments related to hostages and actions taken by Israel against Hamas leaders. His advocacy included proposing legislation affecting Qatar's status as a major non-NATO ally if they failed to act against individuals responsible for terrorist activities.

On November 8, 2024, after Qatar expelled remaining Hamas leadership from Doha, Senator Budd described it as "welcome but long overdue." Further actions included calls for Turkey to extradite Hamas leaders who fled there after their expulsion from Qatar.