Legislators send a letter to the U.S. secretary of state regarding the number of journalists who have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
Representatives Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois led nearly two dozen members of the House minority in writing a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week, seeking action from President Biden’s administration to better protect journalists who are reporting from the Gaza Strip.
The legislators wrote that, due to the number of journalists who have reportedly been killed in the conflict, “We remain concerned that not enough steps have been taken to safeguard the lives of the civilian population in Gaza, including journalists.”
Hamas launched a guerilla-style attack against Israel in October, killing approximately 1,200 civilians and over 200 military personnel in one day, taking another 240 people hostage. Some have called Israel’s responding military action a “genocide” as Palestinian reports claim tens of thousands of casualties, including the reported deaths of more than 80 journalists.
The House members wrote, “At the heart of every democracy, there is a right to free expression and journalists are allowed to do their jobs without interference.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House as they seek protections for journalists covering Israel’s war with Hamas.
- For Secretary Blinken and State Department officials as they consider the request from the legislators.
- For the peace of Jerusalem and the safety of the Israeli and Palestinian civilians who are caught amid the conflict.
Sources: The Hill, Connolly.House.gov
