Dear John,
Preparation for a full scale invasion of Gaza has begun, with a sense of dread now filling the air reminiscent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. As everyone is aware, there is no guarantee the war will not expand beyond Israel and Palestine. This is an extremely dangerous moment for the world.
America’s official position seems to be “Okay Israel, get the war over with and then we need to talk about a two-state solution.” Our position should be the opposite, however: supporting everything possible to stop a war that will ultimately do little more than increase the bloodshed, multiplying tragedy and hatred.
America should stand on the side of humanity, dedicated to justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.
We should work with Qatar and others to broker a ceasefire in exchange for release of the hostages, then convene an immediate international conference to help establish a two-state solution.
The role of the United States should be leading an effort to seek another way. The Israeli-Palestinian struggle is a tragic and complicated problem, to which there never has been and is not now a military solution.
War is not the answer. For Israel, for Palestine, or for the world.
Ceasefire now. |
