It's been clear from the beginning that Israel's priority is not the hostages and minimizing loss of life in Gaza. Today's, 7/13, massacre in the al-Mawasi further proves it. The death toll continues to rise even as I'm writing this. As of now, approximately 90 dead, and 300 injured. The al-Mawasi refugee camp was designated as one of the "safe evacuation zones" that Israel pushed all those who could physically move from Rafah.
There is no other conclusion to draw - Israel is deliberately taking actions to murder as many people as possible. They've rejected all real possibilities for a ceasefire in order to continue this genocide. Even Israel's own military knows that a ceasefire needs to happen in order to get as many hostages back home as possible. Israel's government does not care. Former Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy has given salient and sobering analysis of Israel's behavior. This administration has made it clear that there is no red line and we will continue to send weapons, money, and unconditional diplomatic support.
Even a sizable group of Israelis have condemned our Congress' invitation to Netanyahu. These Israelis span across society from sectors including technology, law, politics, and culture. They believe, as so many of us do, that this invitation legitimizes and rewards Netanyahu's genocidal actions. While I disagree with their argument Netanyahu's invitation should be contingent upon actually resolving humanitarian concerns - I believe he should never be invited to address our government ever - it's clear that there is a widespread criticism of this administration that goes beyond "liberals" and "conservatives". Disinvite Netanyahu now.
I demand that you:
– Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary
– Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace
– Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7
– Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law
– Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA
– Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict
– Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level
– Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed
