Sens. Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley and Bernie Sanders introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones.
The Commitment to Aid Workers Act, which does not explicitly mention Gaza, is the companion of similar legislation previously issued in the House by Rep. Chellie Pingree. It calls for new oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger humanitarian workers as they deliver American aid.
"Humanitarian workers do some of the most vital but dangerous jobs in the world as they come to the aid of civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict. After two extremely deadly years for these workers, we must do more to protect them. This bill will employ U.S. leverage to help ensure the safety of humanitarian workers as they conduct their lifesaving missions," said Van Hollen.
"When conflict or disaster strikes, humanitarian aid workers are the first line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter," said Merkley. "Our top priority must be to support and protect those who serve on the frontlines of crisis, and the Commitment to Aid Workers Act does just that."
Iceland's national broadcaster said Wednesday it will boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest because of the participation of Israel, joining four other countries in a walkout of the pan-continental music competition.
Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia told the European Broadcasting Union last week that they will not take part in the contest in Vienna in May after organizers declined to expel Israel over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza.
The board of Iceland's RÚV met on Wednesday to make a decision.
At its conclusion, the broadcaster said in a statement that "given the public debate in this country ... it is clear that neither joy nor peace will prevail regarding the participation of RÚV in Eurovision. It is therefore the conclusion of RÚV to notify the EBU today that RÚV will not take part in Eurovision next year."
Last week, the general assembly of the EBU – a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries that runs the glitzy annual event – met to discuss concerns about Israel's participation. Members voted to adopt tougher contest voting rules in response to allegations that Israel had manipulated the vote in favor of their contestants, but took no action to exclude any broadcaster from the competition.
Wednesday marked the final day for national broadcasters to announce whether they planned to participate.
The EBU says a final list of competing nations will be published before Christmas.