Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer, both representing Nebraska, have urged the Biden-Harris administration to take action against Hamas leaders residing in Qatar. The call was made through a letter sent by 14 Republican senators to federal agencies including the FBI and Department of State.

The letter states: “The defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it,” urging swift action to hold the group accountable for the events of October 7, 2023.

In addition to Ricketts and Fischer, signatories include Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Ted Budd (R-NC).

The letter addressed Secretary Blinken and Attorney General Garland directly. It highlights a critical opportunity following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel Defense Forces. The senators advocate for policy reversal regarding Qatar's role in facilitating negotiations with Hamas' Doha-based leadership.

They request extradition efforts for Khaled Meshal from Qatar, citing unsealed indictments from September 2024 against him and other senior Hamas officials like Khalil Al-Hayya. The New York Times reported that Al-Hayya sought support from Iran and Hezbollah before last year's attacks.

“The defeat of Hamas is within reach,” reiterated the senators, emphasizing urgency in dismantling what they describe as an Iranian-backed terrorist organization responsible for past atrocities.