Congressman Urges Action on Qatar's Harbor of Hamas Terrorists

Congressman Keith Self has written a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging action on Qatar's provision of safe harbor to Hamas terrorists. In the letter, Congressman Self highlights the fact that Qatar, as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States, continues to permanently host senior Hamas leadership.

The Congressman emphasizes the need for action following the October 7 terror attack against Israel, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 innocent people, including over 30 Americans. He asserts that Hamas' ability to operate freely within Qatar, engaging in activities such as raising funds, liaising with Iranian regime officials, broadcasting propaganda, and planning future terror attacks, directly harms American interests.

Congressman Self's letter calls on the State Department to determine whether Qatar meets the statutory definition of a "terrorist sanctuary." He states, "Hamas' crimes were unconscionable. We cannot forget the mass murder, rape, burning, and kidnapping of innocents on 10/7. Hamas terrorists must be denied refuge. I urge Secretary Blinken to use all the tools at his disposal to pressure our ally to give up Hamas."

Secretary Blinken himself acknowledged the need for a change in approach towards Hamas, stating on October 13th, "There can be no more business as usual with Hamas." Recent reports have revealed that Israel has already initiated plans to hunt down senior Hamas leadership around the world. This situation, according to Congressman Self, demands strategic and moral clarity, and the United States can no longer tolerate Qatar's hosting of Hamas.

In conclusion, Congressman Keith Self's letter to Secretary Blinken highlights the urgent need to address Qatar's provision of safe harbor to Hamas terrorists. The Congressman calls on the State Department to take action and determine if Qatar meets the definition of a "terrorist sanctuary." With the recent terror attack in mind, Congressman Self urges Secretary Blinken to use all available tools to pressure Qatar to give up Hamas. The United States must no longer tolerate Qatar's support for this terrorist organization.

Click this link to access more information: https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-sends-letter-secretary-blinken-urging-action-qatar