Flags at Half Mast: U.S. Governors Honor Victims of Violence in Israel

2023-10-12 07:00:00

U.S. and state flags on public buildings and grounds have been flying at half mast this week across the U.S.

Governors across the country have ordered the ceremonial gesture out of respect, following attacks in Israel by Hamas.

Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people and injured over 2,700 after entering Israel on Saturday, while 1,200 people have been killed and around 5,600 wounded since Israel began bombing the Gaza Strip, according to Archyde.com.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that 22 Americans had been killed and 17 were missing, adding that those numbers were likely to rise.

In recognition of lives lost, multiple state governors made the directive to lower flags.

At time of publication, the following states are currently flying their flags at half mast: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai’i, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

Governors across the United States have ordered flags at half mast in honor of those killed following violence in Israel on Saturday. President Joe Biden has said the United States “unequivocally” condemns the attacks by Hamas and offered Israel its full support.
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Republican Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, among the multiple state leaders who ordered flags be flown lower, said in an announcement: “We are praying for a swift resolution to this war. We support Prime Minister Netanyahu and his armed forces as they strike swiftly, truly, and with justice.”

In his statement, Democratic Governor Jay Inslee of Washington honored Hayim Katsman, a University of Washington doctoral graduate who was killed by Hamas militants, reported The Seattle Times.

Inslee added: “This directive is issued in recognition of the lives lost, the wishes of all Washingtonians for the swift recovery of the injured as well as the safe release of those held hostage, and in recognition of the sacrifice and service of members of
the U.S. Armed Forces now deployed to the region.”

President Joe Biden has said the United States “unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza,” adding that the U.S. stands ready “to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel.”

“Terrorism is never justified,” Biden said.

“Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation,

“My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”

The president has also affirmed that he would call upon Congress to increase funding to Israel and offer direct support toward resolving active hostage situations.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday that of the 17 Americans reported missing, it is thought a “very small” number are being held hostage.