Senators Urge Rubio to Address Israeli Journalist Killings

A group of 17 bipartisan US senators is calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to confront Israel regarding the killing of journalists in Gaza. This unusual dissent from a close ally comes in response to the recent deaths of prominent journalists, including Anas Al-Sharif, a correspondent for Al Jazeera, who was killed along with four colleagues in an Israeli airstrike on August 10, 2023.

The senators, led by Democrat Brian Schatz of Hawaii, condemned the Israeli military’s actions and questioned Israel’s justification for the strike. They described the assertion that Al-Sharif was affiliated with Hamas as “deeply unconvincing” and inconsistent with international law. The letter sent to Rubio highlighted what they termed a dangerous pattern of Israel targeting media personnel under the guise of counterterrorism efforts.

The senators emphasized that press freedom is fundamental to democratic societies and insisted that Israel must ensure safe passage and protection for journalists operating in conflict zones. This demand places Rubio, known for his strong support of Israel, in a challenging political position as international criticism of the attacks on journalists intensifies.

Human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have characterized the killings as targeted assassinations aimed at suppressing coverage of the ongoing conflict. The senators also connected these incidents to broader restrictions on media access imposed by Israel, arguing that limiting entry for international reporters undermines transparency and credibility.

The Israeli airstrike that killed Al-Sharif and his colleagues took place near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Reports indicate that Al-Sharif’s nephew was also among the casualties. Following the attack, Israel’s military branded Al-Sharif a Hamas operative, a claim that has been strongly rejected by various press organizations.

As calls for accountability grow, legal experts have urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the incident as a potential war crime. Advocacy groups have reiterated that journalists are classified as civilians under international law and that deliberate attacks against them cannot be justified by vague security concerns.

This letter from the senators illustrates a significant moment where members of Congress have openly questioned both Israel’s actions and the role of the United States in facilitating such actions. The collective dissent has raised concerns about America’s standing as a defender of press freedom on the global stage, particularly as it faces increasing isolation in international relations.