‘’Despite its recent mediation efforts, Qatar could simply pressure Hamas more today to release the remaining hostages and be part of the solution, instead of part of the inhumane problem of terrorism,’’ reads the letter.

European Parliament Vice-President Nicola Beer and 18 Members of the European Parliament wrote a letter to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell urging his attention to the fact that Qatar, as  financial support of Hamas, can pressure the terrorist organisation to release all remaining hostages still detained in Gaza.

In their letter to High Representative Josep Borrell, the cross-party group of MEPs wrote: ‘We urge your attention on the role of Qatar and their explicit support of Hamas. Both in providing financial assistance of billions of euros over the years but also in harbouring the leadership of Hamas, who live in luxury in Doha with 24-hour security provided by Qatar.‘’

‘’Despite its recent mediation efforts, Qatar could simply pressure Hamas more today to release the remaining hostages and be part of the solution, instead of part of the inhumane problem of terrorism,’’ reads the letter.

“As High Representative for the Union on Foreign Affairs, the Qatari government must be reminded that their support for Hamas and terrorism, will affect its future relations with the European Union.”

The letter recalls that both the statement of Europeran Council members  of 15 October and the European Parliament resolution of 19 October called for Hamas to ‘’immediate release all hostages ‘’ and noted ‘’that the taking of hostages is a violation of international lax and constitutes a war crime.’’

There are still 139 people detained by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas massacre in Israel, including babies, infants, women, elderly and medically unfit people.

The European Jewish Association (EJA) in Brussels welcomed the MPs’ call on Qatar and reminded of ‘’the cynical diplomatic games being played by the Qatari leadership with innocent lives.”

‘’We must make clear to Qatar and every other entity in the region that human rights come first, before any business dealings,’’ said EJA Chairman  Rabbi Menachem Margolin, in a statement.

“It has been difficult to watch the acclaim that Qatar has been enjoying as a ‘mediator’ in the hostage releases to date.In reality far from being an honest broker Qatar is Hamas’ main sponsor and allows the leadership of the proscribed terror organisation to live a life of luxury and security in Doha,’’ he added.

‘’Qatar has it in its power to pressure Hamas to release every hostage still in Gaza today,’’ Rabbi Margolin said.