GOP senators introduce bill aimed at downgrading Qatar ties if it doesn’t pressure Hamas

A group of Republican senators has introduced legislation that aims to strip Qatar of its status as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA) of the US if Doha doesn’t exert all leverage it has over Hamas to secure the release of the American hostages in Gaza, in addition to expelling all members of the terror group currently residing in the Gulf state.

The bill co-sponsored by Senators Ted Budd, Rick Scott and Joni Ernst would require US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to certify that it is in the national interest of the US for Qatar to maintain its designation as a major non-NATO ally; that Qatar does not directly or indirectly provide aid to Hamas; that it is sufficiently pressuring Hamas to release the hostages; and that it has expelled Hamas members along with all others involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.

“If the secretary of state cannot make this certification in good faith, then the president is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally,” says the legislation.

MNNA status offers countries a series of privileges and financial advantages in their ties with the US.

Qatar’s Embassy in Washington says it’s disappointed by the legislation, stating its status as a NMMA of the US was earned through close defense ties between the countries.

“[But] our partnership with the US is not only defense related. Among other things, Qatar has quietly and successfully mediated the release of Americans held in Afghanistan, Iran and Venezuela,” the statement adds. “This is a record of successful collaboration based on shared interests and commitments. Especially in this delicate moment in our region, it is reckless to undermine the partnerships that America and its allies have built carefully over decades.”

The embassy also addresses Qatar’s ties with Israel and Hamas, claiming “our relationship with both is entirely based” on being a mediator.

“In the current crisis, Qatar’s record as a mediator speaks for itself, with over 100 hostages released to date. We are determined to do everything possible, but Qatar is only a mediator — we do not control Hamas or Israel. In the end, Hamas and Israel alone are responsible for reaching an agreement. “