A group of 34 Republican senators, led by Joni Ernst, has called on President Joe Biden to halt any potential plans to accept Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip, citing national security concerns.
This request follows reports of discussions within the Biden administration regarding the possibility of resettling Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family ties to American citizens or permanent residents.
The senators expressed skepticism about the administration’s ability to adequately vet this population for potential terrorist ties or sympathies, particularly given the support for Hamas militants among a significant portion of Gazans.
They also criticized the administration for prioritizing the evacuation of Gazans while American citizens remain held hostage by Hamas.
The senators demanded that the administration address these concerns and focus on securing the release of American hostages before moving forward with any plans to accept Gazan refugees.
Meanwhile, ongoing conflict in the region has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, leading to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
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