Local Israelis & Palestinians Weigh In On Gaza Strip Conflict
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The conflict in the Middle East is hitting home here in Maryland. A Baltimore man has now been injured in the fighting.
Meghan McCorkell has more as locals watch what happens overseas.
Two Americans fighting with the Israeli defense force are dead and a Baltimore man, also fighting with the Israeli army, is among the injured.
As violence continues to erupt across Israel and the Gaza Strip, Maryland's Jewish community comes together in solidarity.
"Within 30 seconds, we heard a book. Then we heard another boom and then we heard sirens," said Jill Max, who's just returned from Israel.
Max experienced the violence on a recent trip to Israel. Thousands have been injured in this conflict, including Jordan Low from Baltimore, a soldier with the Israeli defense force.
"It's horrible for anybody to be injured but when you hear a Baltimore person, you really feel like, `Whoa, I'm really connected to that,'" said Lainy LeBow-Sachs, Baltimore Jewish Council.
Meanwhile, officials with the Council of American-Islamic Relations say they are concerned about the number of Palestinian civilians being killed.
Zainab Choudry says the violence is causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"I think what really everyone wants to see is peace and justice in the region," Choudry said. "But in order for that to happen, there have to be conditions in place that are fair to both sides."
Senator Ben Cardin says it's time to come to the table.
"Palestinians and Israelis want to live in peace. There's going to be a Jewish state. There's going to be a Palestinian state. Let's get on with the negotiations," Cardin said.
So there's more talk and less violence.
US leaders are now stepping up calls for a ceasefire.
The State Department has posted a travel warning for Israel, recommending Americans defer going to the country.
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