WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in renewing calls to the Biden Administration to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the ongoing war. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Senators underscored the dangerous conditions for reporters, the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists, and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. They also raise concerns about violence against journalists in Lebanon and the West Bank.

“Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory,” wrote the Senators. 

The Senators continued: “The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.” 

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and signed by Senator Welch and Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). 

Read the full letter here. 

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