We have watched Israel enact a genocide with U.S. funding and supply of weapons for over 90 days. As South Africa's Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said this week at the ICJ, no attack "can provide justification for or defend breaches of the [Genocide] Convention". Israel and the U.S. are signatories to the Genocide Convention of 1948, which defines genocide and commits states to prevent it. It’s no wonder South Africa is filing a lawsuit against the U.S. and the Biden administration. The world is watching. Will you be on the right side of history this time?
I am asking you to take immediate steps to deescalate violence in Gaza and Israel by calling for 1) a total and permanent ceasefire, 2) humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza, 3) an end to Israel's siege on Gaza, 4) the release of all Palestinian and Israeli hostages, and 5) no more weapons or funding to the Israeli military. A permanent ceasefire is an absolutely critical step to ensuring everlasting liberation and peace.
Never again means never again for anyone. Palestinians deserve to live with freedom and safety which means first stopping this genocide and then ensuring liberation from occupation and apartheid. The liberation and safety of Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish people, and Muslim people are intertwined. There can only be true safety when we are all free from oppression.
We are paying attention to representatives who publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, which will shape the 2024 elections. I support a permanent ceasefire, along with 62 Congressmembers, and 61% of American voters (https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2023/12/5/voters-want-the-us-to-call-for-a-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-to-prioritize-diplomacy). I'm demanding you publicly call for a permanent ceasefire. U.S. made weapons are killing entire families in Gaza. Our tax dollars are directly funding this genocide. As your office was recently informed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, there is legal liability for aiding and abetting genocide through congressional acts. In a new lawsuit, Palestinians are suing President Biden for participating in this genocide. You must take action now to stop genocide and end all U.S. support in Israel's enactment of this genocide.
First sent on January 12 by Alice
