The following is a letter sent by two New York congressmen to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Dear Secretary Blinken:

We are incredibly concerned about the hostages being held captive by Hamas. There are still 130 hostages in captivity, including Binghamton University student and Long Island native Omer Neutra. 

The grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer is 22 years old and continues to endure unthinkable torture and trauma at the hands of the Hamas terrorist group. As Secretary of State, we urge you to facilitate swift and effective negotiations to bring Omer and the remaining hostages home.

On October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel that led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and hundreds being held hostage. These hostages, including women and children, continue to bear the brunt of the stalled rescue negotiations between the Biden Administration, the Israeli government, and Qatari and Egyptian officials. Those who have been released have shared horror stories about abuse, sexual assault, torture and heavy drugging from their Hamas captors.

As Secretary of State, you oversee the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, which was created to secure the freedom of American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and assist their families. It has been over 160 days since this attack and hostage return negotiations have flatlined, leaving hundreds of civilians trapped in dangerous, deadly conditions. It is imperative that the United States remains committed to providing diplomatic support and resources to Israel as the country works to free all the hostages and hold Hamas accountable for its war crimes and violations of international law.

Now is the time for Omer and the remaining hostages in Gaza to return home. Given your public commitment to the safety of Americans abroad and support for human rights, renewing hostage return negotiations between all parties and ensuring the safe return of all those in captivity must be a priority.

Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19) and Tom Suozzi (D, NY-03) are members of the  U.S. House of Representatives.