1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

The recent Israel airstrike that killed three journalists - Hamza Abu Selmeyeh, Saed Redwan, and Haneen Baroud - in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza is a deplorable act of violence against the press. With these deaths, the total number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023 has currently reached a staggering 180. This wanton targeting of media professionals under the guise of accusing them as "terrorists" is a blatant attempt to silence reporting on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The intentional attacks on journalists, who play a vital role in documenting human rights violations and atrocities, are a direct assault on freedom of speech and press. Such actions not only endanger the lives of those brave individuals committed to truth-telling but also undermine the fundamental principles of a free and democratic open society. This pattern of targeted violence against the media, now extending beyond Gaza to Lebanon, sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the safety of journalists worldwide. Urgent steps must be taken to safeguard the ability of the press to report without fear of retaliation or harm, as their work is essential in exposing injustice and promoting accountability. Source: www.palestinechronicle.com/three-journalists-among-eight-killed-in-israeli-strike-war-on-media-continues/ I demand you do everything in your power to: – Hold Israel accountable to a permanent, immediate ceasefire and for their repeat violations of international law – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid - Support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace – Secure the immediate release and safety of all hostages, including Palestinians held by Israel in "military prisons", including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7/24 – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce U.S. laws like Leahy Law and the Arms Export Control Act – Resume full funding of UNRWA and allocate more funds to aid humanitarian efforts to rebuild Gaza, and provide Palestinians with the resources to survive and thrive – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict - Void all anti-BDS laws and other laws that infringe on my right to freedom of speech to criticize any political ideology or country, and to use my money in ways that align with my values