A ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza are not preconditions for ending violence against Palestinians Dear Email, Almost eight months into the Israeli genocide in Gaza which has murdered at least 40,000 Palestinians, enabled and funded by his administration, President Biden now claims that Israel has "offered" an "enduring" ceasefire and a prisoners exchange through a three-stage process. The proposal echoes what Palestinians agreed to roughly a month ago, which Israeli officials refused. In the intervening period, Israeli forces destroyed over 1000 homes in Jabalia refugee camp, killed over 2000 more Palestinians, and attacked safe zones in Rafah. The proposal also echoes our polling released last week: Americans have had enough, and we want to see both a lasting ceasefire and an end to unconditional military aid that abets this genocide of Palestinians. The first six weeks include a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of Israeli hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners held without charge. Palestinians would return to their homes where possible, and humanitarian assistance would be provided with 600 aid trucks entering Gaza daily—an amount that would finally meet the basic needs of starving Palestinians. The second stage involves an exchange for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and a "permanent cessation of hostilities." The third stage would commence major reconstruction in Gaza, with any remains of hostages who have died being returned to their families. Despite Biden presenting this as an offer from Israel, Israeli media already quotes Israeli officials dismissing his speech as weak and unrealistic and they don’t seem to be in favor of the proposal. The Biden administration has pledged to ensure Netanyahu respects these terms, a commitment that would be significant if it proves true, and if the administration can deliver on it. However, only a total halt in weapons aid can guarantee this outcome. We welcome a ceasefire, but we also demand it be unconditional, immediate, and permanent, not just an "enduring" one based on the prioritization of the Israeli regime’s status quo. Humanitarian aid is a legal and moral obligation—particularly for the Israeli regime as an occupying power. A ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza are not bargaining chips or preconditions for the cessation of violence against starving Palestinians. No exchange can preclude Palestinians’ rights to self-determination. In fact, 1 in 5 potential Biden voters in swing states say a complete end to the siege of Gaza is a minimum as a starting point for lasting peace—and to secure their votes in November. Addressing the catastrophic, Israeli-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza must happen regardless of Israel's approval or assessment. An “enduring” peace requires addressing the root cause of conflict and instability in the region: the Israeli occupation and U.S. complicity. We welcome future efforts by the Biden administration to apply the necessary pressure on the Netanyahu government to end the suffering, ensure a prisoner exchange, and above all, end its occupation and repression of Palestinians. In solidarity,
Americans for Justice in Palestine Action |
