Demand Progress

The United States vetoed a UN ceasefire resolution to halt the war in Israel-Palestine. And Biden has agreed to send more weapons to Israel.¹ All as Prime Minister Netanyahu threatens a devastating ground invasion in Rafah.

President Biden must shift U.S. policy on the war — and more lawmakers in Congress are noticing that. Twenty five Senators last week signed a letter calling for peace with at least a temporary ceasefire.² This is progress but we need more of Congress on board with a permanent ceasefire now and an end to sending unconditional security assistance to Israel.

Sign the petition: Make the choice for peace — President Biden and Congress must stand for a permanent ceasefire in Israel-Palestine and end unconditional aid to Israel!

Israel said it will launch its assault on Rafah if hostages aren’t freed by March 10th, the start of Ramadan.³ To essentially threaten to kill, displace, and cut off humanitarian aid from the densely populated city in Gaza — where 1.4 million Palestinians have already fled to because of the war⁴ — at the start of the Muslim holy month is a shocking example of what Netanyahu is willing to do in this war.

Instead of finding diplomatic solutions and de-escalating, Prime Minister Netanyahu has continued relentlessly bombing Gaza — all backed by the weapons and money of the U.S. government.⁵ President Biden and Congress must change course by calling for an immediate ceasefire and ending unconditional military assistance to Israel.

Hamas's attacks beginning on October 7 must be condemned, but Israel's response has been disproportionate and taken an extraordinary civilian toll. After more than four months of horrific violence that has killed so many innocent people, Congress and the White House must pressure Israel to find a permanent diplomatic end to this armed conflict. And the U.S. cannot send any more no strings attached money and weapons to support this war.

Add your name: Urge President Biden and Congress to take a stand for peace!

Sources:

1. Reuters, "US plans to send weapons to Israel even as Biden pushes for ceasefire, WSJ reports,” February 16, 2024.
2. Jewish Insider, "25 Democratic senators call for temporary cease-fire, hostage release,” February 15, 2024.
3. The Guardian, "Israel says it will launch Rafah assault if hostages not freed by Ramadan,” February 19, 2024.
4. Associated Press, "Israeli strikes hit Rafah after Biden warns Netanyahu to have 'credible' plan to protect civilians,” February 11, 2024.
5. New York Times, “Biden Administration Again Bypasses Congress for Weapons Sale to Israel," December 30, 2023.