Controversial Defense Bill Passes Amidst Gaza Death Toll Secrecy
A provision in the $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aims to prevent the Pentagon from using casualty figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is under Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. This move, criticized by some U.S. lawmakers and international bodies, could obscure the true death toll in Gaza, as these figures have been considered credible by the UN and human rights organizations. The NDAA, which also includes controversial measures on transgender healthcare, has passed the House and awaits a Senate vote.