To Bring the Genocide in Gaza to An End, Biden Needs to Demonstrate Leadership and Resolve for American Interests Dear Email, In his call last Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden put America's credibility on the line regarding the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip. According to the White House Readout, Biden “made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the call, “If we do not see changes we need to see, there will be changes in our policy.” With the exception of some empty promises and marginal cosmetic steps to improve the living conditions of the afflicted residents of the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu did not show any practical and substantive response to the warnings of the United States. On the contrary, he now threatens to invade Rafah more than before, attacking the refuge of more than one 1.3 million Palestinians who have sought to escape from the crimes and brutality of the Israeli army there. Netanyahu has completely ignored Biden's threats, and it is time for Biden to draw a line in the sand and deliver on the White House’s threats to change policy. It is unacceptable for a vessel state to do repeatedly and explicitly defy U.S. national interests. Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) calls on President Biden to take immediate action on Gaza as we observe the last day of Ramadan. AJP Action is alarmed that even after last week’s phone call with Netanyahu when Biden expressly tied ongoing American support to tangible changes in Israel's conduct in Gaza, nothing has changed. Israel’s genocide continues, the famine in Gaza is getting worse, and attacks on aid have continued. As we approach the solemn occasion of Eid, marking a time of reflection and community for millions worldwide, the absence of substantive action following President Biden's ultimatum is deeply troubling. The credibility of the United States, and indeed, that of President Biden himself, is at stake. The President's threats of consequences must be met with immediate and concrete actions; otherwise, they risk being perceived as hollow ultimatums. With the genocide in Gaza escalating as the world watches live, it is imperative that President Biden's words translate into definitive action. AJP Action calls upon President Biden to: - Immediately enforce the stipulations set forth in his dialogue with Prime Minister Netanyahu, ensuring the opening of critical passageways for humanitarian aid and the cessation of hostilities that endanger civilian lives.
- Halt U.S. military aid to Israel without delay, asserting compliance with both U.S. and international legal standards concerning human rights and the rules of engagement in conflict zones.
- Make a public call for an immediate and enforceable ceasefire, aligning with U.N. Security Council and international calls for peace and stability in the region.
This moment demands more than rhetoric; it requires resolute action that reflects America's commitment to justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. It requires American leadership and resolve on the part of President Biden. AJP Action stands firm in its advocacy for the rights and well-being of Palestinian people and will continue to hold leaders accountable for promises made and the actions that follow. For the sake of human lives, for the sake of peace, for the sake of Eid, and for the integrity of international norms, we urge President Biden to act decisively and immediately. The world is watching. |
