Ernst Statement on Murder of American Hostage Omer Neutra by Iran-Backed Hamas
WASHINGTON – In response to the tragic news that Iran-backed Hamas has killed American hostage Omer Neutra, Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the following statement:
“As a mother and as an American, my heart breaks at the news of Omer Neutra’s death, and I join his family in mourning the loss of their loved one.
“Not one more parent, friend, or neighbor should have to live in this agony caused by Iran-backed Hamas, and not a single one of our citizens should remain at the mercy of these terrorists.
“My mission to bring our hostages home is not over, and we must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Israeli friends as we work to rescue our American hostages from the clutches of Iran-backed terrorists.
“Now more than ever, the world is anticipating Donald Trump’s return to the White House. He will restore American leadership and make our adversaries think twice before threatening or taking our citizens’ lives.
“We must bring our hostages home now.”
Background:
Ernst has been a fierce advocate for freeing the hostages and kept up the drumbeat to bring them home.
On October 7, 2023, she was in the Middle East and went to Israel just days after Iran-backed Hamas’ attacks to show her support for our ally. In the wake of the horrific terrorist assault, Ernst met with the hostage families in Israel and has remained in close contact with them. A few weeks later, Senator Ernst demanded President Biden do everything in his power to rescue the American hostages and bring them home safely.
In January 2024, she returned to the Middle East and advocated for the release of the hostages in meetings with senior leadership and lead negotiators in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Bahrain.
In May 2024, she was in Israel when she received reports that the United States withheld an ammunition shipment to Israel and immediately demanded answers from President Biden to hold him accountable for his “ironclad” commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East.
In September 2024, Ernst traveled to Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar to secure a deal that ensures the survival of Israel, destroys Hamas’ ability to reconstitute in the region, and brings the American hostages home.
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