Following the horrific attack in Israel committed by Hamas which left 31 Americans dead, over 1,000 Israelis dead, and hundreds held hostage, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has joined a bipartisan and bicameral effort in sending a letter to President Joe Biden (D) to demand that he give his undivided attention to freeing the American hostages in Gaza.
The effort was led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) alongside Sen. Scott, according to his press release.
The lawmakers wrote, “We appreciate that you have sent the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs to Israel to assist in the recovery of the hostages, and we urge you to do everything in your power to secure their safe release.”
They would go on to mention that this situation “must be treated with a sense of urgency.”
“Hamas has already killed 30 Americans and likely injured many more…The terrorists responsible for these atrocities hide behind human shields while they threaten to livestream the execution of hostages,” wrote Sen. Scott and his colleagues. “Hamas has also reportedly demanded the mass release of prisoners in exchange for freeing its hostages and could use the hostages to push for a ceasefire. With several U.S. citizens still missing in the aftermath of the terror group’s brutal attack, we urge you to continue putting your full attention on the freeing of American hostages. Every day must be treated with a sense of urgency.”
They also stated that the United States should “provide the necessary resources for Israel’s defense.”
“As a result, we urge the United States to continue supporting Israel’s urgent efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas, provide the necessary resources for Israel’s defense, and continue offering whatever support necessary to immediately and safely rescue kidnapped Americans, with particular attention to those who require urgent medical care,” wrote the legislators.
Recently, Scott requested that President Biden halt fund transfers to Iran, as well.
The request comes amid reports of Iran’s direct involvement in financing and arming Hamas. Hamas, of course, is a US-designated terrorist group that recently attacked Israel, killing thousands and kidnapping hundreds.
This is a developing story.
