Both of Indiana’s senators want the Biden administration to stop negotiations with Iran because of that country’s backing of Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip.
In an open letter signed by 44 Republican senators yesterday, Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun cited Iran’s backing of Palestinian armed groups such as Hamas. The U.S. and Israel both consider Hamas a terrorist organization.
The senators called on Biden to end negotiations on Iran sanctions relief over the groups’ firing of rockets toward Israeli cities and settlements.
Young shared the letter on Twitter and wrote, “the U.S. should not financially support those who are in any way involved in committing violence against Israel.”
Both senators back continued military and financial assistance to Israel, which receives about $3.8 billion in aid from the U.S. each year.
Iran is supporting terrorist activity against the United States’ closest ally in the region, Israel. The US should not financially support those who are in any way involved in committing violence against Israel. https://t.co/5PZoFhVqFq — Todd Young (@ToddYoungIN) May 13, 2021
Hamas fired a long-range rocket into Jerusalem late Monday in support of Palestinian protests there against the policing of a holy site and efforts by Israeli settlers to evict dozens of Palestinian families from their homes.
Since then, Israel has attacked hundreds of targets in Gaza. Gaza militants have fired nearly 2,000 rockets into Israel.
Gaza’s health ministry says the death toll has climbed to 109 Palestinians, including 28 children and 15 women. Seven people have been killed in Israel, including a 6-year-old boy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
