The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation condemns the violence in Israel and Gaza, including the deaths of innocent civilians and the taking of hostages.
As the conflict continues, the Foundation is greatly concerned by the immense risks any escalation of violence may bring to the hostages and civilians alike. It is crucial to keep their plight in the forefront of all efforts to end the conflict.
Diane Foley, president and founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, said, “The safety and security of the hostages and finding steps to enable their release must be a top priority. Hostage-taking is a heinous violation of human rights and international law. It must stop.”
“In addition, nearly 20 journalists have been killed in this conflict. The Foley Foundation implores all combatants to protect innocent civilians and journalists bearing witness to these events. We call for a speedy resolution to this crisis,” Foley said.
“Taking innocents as political pawns cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.” Foley commended President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for stating that the return of those held hostage is a top priority. “That to me gives hope to their families and all of us because it means our government is doing all it can through all possible channels to find American hostages and get them out,” she said.
The Foley Foundation tracks the number of Americans unjustly held captive abroad as we campaign for their freedom. We are heartbroken that at least 14 American citizens have died as a result of hostilities and that it appears that more than a dozen Americans are among the hundreds being held hostage by Hamas.”
