Tennessee GOP Rep Sponsors Bill To Strip Qatar Of Ally Status Unless They Kick Out Hamas Leaders
Tennessee Congressman Takes Stand Against Qatar’s Support for Hamas
In a bold move, a Tennessee GOP congressman is co-sponsoring a bill that aims to strip Qatar of its special status as a prime ally of the United States. The reason? Qatar’s continued support for the leaders of the terrorist group Hamas, who have been living lavish lifestyles in the country while the people of Gaza suffer in poverty.
According to a report from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Mashal, and Abu Marzuk have amassed fortunes worth billions of dollars while residing in Qatar. The country provides Hamas with significant financial support, ranging from $120 million to $480 million annually.
Congressman Ogles, who co-sponsored the bill, expressed his concerns about Qatar’s support for Hamas, stating, “As Hamas terrorists continue to wreak havoc on the lives of innocent Israeli civilians, the United States must ensure there is no ally supporting them. Sadly, the State of Qatar is still funding and supporting Hamas as its leadership enjoys political refuge in Doha.”
Call for Action
In response to the recent Hamas massacre of 1,400 Israelis, Congressman Ogles outlined three crucial steps for Qatar:
- Unequivocally condemn Hamas
- Extradite Hamas leaders from Doha
- Never let Iranians see that $6 billion
Joined by Arizona GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, Ogles sent a letter to the Qatari Ambassador to the United States, emphasizing the need for Qatar to stand with the United States and denounce the violence perpetrated by Hamas.
We write to you with grave concern regarding Hamas’s unprovoked and criminal assault against the State of Israel. This conflict, which has led to the murder of more than a thousand Israelis, has strengthened the resolve of the United States to stand resolutely in support of our allies in Jerusalem. Neither Hamas nor any state or non-state actor contributing to these attacks against the people of Israel will be successful in their endeavor; they will meet the fate they deserve.
As a partner in the Middle East, we look to Qatar to demonstrate its resolve with the United States and to the cause of peace. Murder is always wrong, and we must be unequivocal when confronted with the kind of moral depravity demonstrated by Hamas. Look no further than the decapitated bodies of infant children to assess the intrinsically evil character of those attacking Israel today.
The whole world has seen how Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was able to celebrate his group’s “victory” from his office in Doha — rightfully raising questions among the American people regarding the extent of the relationship between Qatar and Hamas.
The significance of Qatar’s relationship with Hamas is further highlighted by the fact that the U.S. Central Command’s forward base in the Middle East is located at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
Additionally, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has provided Hamas with $380 million since 2021. The Biden administration has also contributed nearly $1 billion to UNRWA during the same period. The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) raised concerns about taxpayer dollars potentially ending up in the hands of Hamas, as UNRWA lacks a political screen on its aid.
FDD noted that the Trump administration had cut funds for UNRWA due to its ties to Hamas, further emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in aid distribution.
What impact does Qatar’s financial aid to Hamas have on the efforts of the international community to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine?
Of innocent civilians and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, cannot be tolerated. As a prime ally of the United States, it is imperative that Qatar takes a strong stance against Hamas and ends its financial support for the terrorist group.
The letter also highlights the hypocrisy of Qatar’s support for Hamas, given its close ties with the United States. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, which plays a crucial role in the fight against terrorism. However, by continuing to support Hamas, Qatar undermines its own credibility and jeopardizes its relationship with the United States.
Qatar’s support for Hamas not only contradicts its claims of promoting peace and stability in the region but also hampers the efforts of the international community to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Hamas has been responsible for countless acts of violence against Israeli civilians and has rejected previous peace agreements. By providing financial aid to Hamas, Qatar perpetuates the cycle of violence and hinders any progress towards a peaceful resolution.
Furthermore, the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by Hamas leaders in Qatar while the people of Gaza continue to suffer in poverty are a stark reminder of Qatar’s misplaced priorities. Instead of using its resources to improve the lives of the Palestinian people and support humanitarian efforts, Qatar chooses to finance terrorism and protect its own interests.
It is time for the international community to hold Qatar accountable for its support of Hamas. The bill co-sponsored by Congressman Ogles sends a strong message that the United States will not tolerate the financial backing of terrorist organizations. It also calls on Qatar to take concrete actions to condemn Hamas, extradite its leaders, and cut off their funding.
As the world faces increasing threats from terrorism, it is crucial that nations work together to combat this global menace. Any country that harbors or supports terrorist organizations should be held accountable for its actions. Qatar, as a valued ally of the United States, must choose between supporting terrorism or standing with the international community in the pursuit of peace and security.
The United States stands firmly with Israel and will continue to support its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. It is time for Qatar and other nations to join us in this fight against terrorism, rather than contributing to its funding and perpetuation.
It is our hope that Qatar heeds the call for action and takes swift measures to disconnect itself from terrorist organizations like Hamas. Only then can true progress be made towards peace and stability in the Middle East.
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