(Headline USA) An anonymous letter purporting to be from more than 400 Capitol Hill staffers called on members of Congress to demand a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to Politico.
“Millions of lives hang in the balance, including the 2.3 million civilians—half of whom are children—in Gaza, civilians in Israel, and Jews and Muslims around the world,” the letter said.
The signatories, who identified themselves as Jewish and Muslim staffers, said they were keeping their names anonymous due to fear of backlash.
They said that while they appreciate Congress’s condemnation of Hamas’s attack against Israel, they want to see equal support for Gaza and Palestinians.
“We have appreciated seeing nearly every Member of Congress express quick and unequivocal solidarity with the Israeli people, but we are profoundly disturbed that such shows of humanity have barely been extended to the Palestinian people,” the letter said.
“Only a fraction have called for a ceasefire or at least cessation of hostilities,” it continued. “We believe that Palestinian civilians deserve to be remembered, mourned, and defended with the same rigor that Jewish Israelis deserve from the U.S. Congress.”
Only the most radical Democrats in Congress, including “Squad” Reps. Alexandria Ocasio–Cortez, D-N.Y.; Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.; and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., have called on the Biden administration to demand a ceasefire.
The White House has rebuffed their demands so far, with President Joe Biden declaring that the U.S. stands in solidarity with Israel as it fights against Hamas.
Biden also announced a $100 million humanitarian aid package to the West Bank and Gaza, despite admitting that the money may be seized by Hamas.
The Capitol Hill staffers acknowledged the aid package, but demanded more.
“As Muslims, Jews, and allies, we believe that denying these basic resources violates the tenets of our faiths, values, and our humanity,” said the letter.
