Israel and Hamas measures get a look as most U.S. state legislatures meet for first time since Oct. 7
CTV
Most U.S. state legislatures will reconvene in January for the first time since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel sparked a war in Gaza and protests worldwide -- and they're preparing to take action in response, both symbolic and concrete.
Most U.S. state legislatures will reconvene in January for the first time since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel sparked a war in Gaza and protests worldwide -- and they're preparing to take action in response, both symbolic and concrete.
Legislatures in at least eight states that were in session late in 2023 have already condemned the attacks.
"My worldview was shaped by the fact that my forbearers were not protected during the Holocaust, that no one came to their aid," said Florida state Sen. Lori Berman, a Democrat who sponsored a resolution that passed unanimously last month in her state. "Silence and indifference are the reason why bad -- evil -- is able to prevail."
Measures have been introduced already for the 2024 sessions in states from New Hampshire to North Dakota, and more are likely.
In the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 others hostage. Israel responded with attacks on Gaza, levelling buildings, including hospitals, killing more than 19,000, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, and causing 1.9 million Palestinian residents to flee their homes.
Strong emotions about the ongoing war are informed by a long history of conflict.
Since Oct. 7, at least 59 Hamas- or Israel-related pieces of legislation have been introduced in state legislatures. Most are resolutions condemning the attack and supporting Israel.
