Candidates’ lies compromise truth about Iran funds in Gazette report

On Monday’s front page The Gazette ran the headline: “DeSantis and Trump blame Biden for Hamas attack” (Page 1A.) A key paragraph repeated statements made by a candidate that the U.S. had given Iran $6 billion, implying that it had been used by Hamas to attack Israel. This is simply not true. When the administration recently negotiated with Iran to free five American hostages, it allowed for the transfer of Iranian assets, held up by sanctions in South Korean banks, to a holding company in Qatar. The funds are to be used only for food, medicine and other humanitarian purposes. There they will be administered by the United States alone. The U.S. will pay Iran nothing. Humanitarian organizations and their vendors will be paid directly. And the funds have not even been spent yet.

In other words, the candidates’ statements are lies. You reference the Biden response, buried on page 8, as though it were a difference of opinion, which it is not. Facts are facts, and lies are lies in this case. By giving oxygen to lies — propagating and amplifying them — The Gazette devalues its reputation as a reliable news source.

I have always appreciated The Gazette for its objectivity and careful fact-checking. I have been a subscriber all my adult life. I read it first thing every morning. Please be more careful with the truth.

Harry Phillips

Solon