Friends,
The ceasefire we fought so desperately for – which brought hostages home and saved countless lives – is now at risk of hardening into a dangerous, deadly new normal.
Three Israeli soldiers and over 350 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. The Netanyahu government is still restricting humanitarian aid and access to medical care while carrying out strikes with horrific civilian casualties. Hamas has taken no steps to disarm, is repressing dissent and has been slow to return the remains of the last deceased hostage.
Each side is tightening their grip on their side of the invisible yellow line which now divides Gaza – a zone which has become a death-trap for civilians.
And here’s the painful truth: Both Hamas and Bibi want to keep things this way.
Hamas so it can regroup and reassert control on its side. Bibi so he can keep an occupation force on the ground, use Hamas as a political foil, and block any path to a Palestinian state.
The United States is the only power with the leverage to break the impasse, but every day that each side is allowed to delay, progress becomes harder and we are dragged back toward the October 6 status quo – which proved catastrophic for both peoples. We have to speak out.
Tell Washington: We Cannot Look Away From Gaza
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Friends – ignoring this slow-rolling crisis is a political and moral liability for all involved, and a direct threat to Israel’s long-term security. We cannot forget the horrors of October 7 or the ensuing war and sleepwalk back into the status quo that brought us here.
The US must rally partner nations to press Hamas to return the remains of the last deceased hostages, reduce flashpoints with the IDF, and move to disarm and accept new governance arrangements.
The US must also use its direct leverage on Netanyahu to force him to stop obstructing aid, protect civilians and abide by international law – and work constructively on plans to rebuild Gaza, replace Hamas and withdraw from Gaza when stability permits.
The path out of this crisis is clear, outlined in the White House’s own 20-point plan. The administration must act with renewed urgency to implement it – or we risk returning to the long-simmering status quo of misery, death and deprivation.
If you want to see urgent action to end the bloodshed in Gaza – and to get aid in and Hamas out – please add your name to our campaign.
Tell Washington: We Cannot Look Away »
Thank you, sincerely, for your support.
Ilan Goldenberg
Chief Policy Officer, J Street
