John,

I led a letter to President Biden this week calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israeli and Palestinian territories. 

But the truth is that no ceasefire will hold if the United States continues our one-sided approach to the conflict. So long as we give unconditional aid and armaments to Israel while turning our backs on the plight of the Palestinian people — most of whom live as third-class citizens in their own land — peace will be elusive and violence will continue tearing the region apart.

Violence broke out these past few weeks because Israeli security forces went into the sacred Al-Aqsa mosque and started lobbing tear gas as people worshiped during Ramadan. Violence broke out because Israel was actively seeking to evict Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem — an action that the UN’s human rights office (OHCHR) declared in violation of international law.

The United States’ one-sided approach of unconditional support has taught Israel that they can behave like this — however they like — break international laws and ethics with impunity, and still receive top-notch military aid provided by American taxpayers.

That has to stop, John. That has to stop.

Israel has a right to defend itself, yes. But Israel also has a responsibility to act as a moral world leader. We must use our close relationship with Israel to encourage them to do so, and not write them a blank check to continue fanning the flames of violence. 

— Hank