Georgia Democrat signs letter calling for ceasefire in Gaza
Tensions ramp up in DC as Israel/Hamas war rages on
A Georgia Congressman is among two dozen House Democrats urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to support a ceasefire in Gaza.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Lithonia) and twenty-three other House Democrats are expressing concerns about “grave violations against children.”
The letter, which was led by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and other progressive Democrats, goes on to express concerns about Israel’s response after being attacked by Hamas militants.
“During the past 39 days of hostilities, 4,206 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip and at least 7,695 children have sustained injuries,” the letter says. “We are profoundly shocked by the grave violations of children’s rights in the context of armed conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
President Biden this month called for a “pause” in the war to allow for more hostages to be rescued. He said this week that he is “mildly hopeful” about the progress being made in negotiations.
These Democrats commended the President’s response to the crisis in recent weeks, from calling for a pause to sending humanitarian resources to the region. But they say it has all had minimal impact on the ground.
“We urge an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to stop the bombing and provide much-needed relief to Palestinian civilians,” they said.
The letter comes as tensions on both sides are ramping up in Washington. Hundreds of thousands of Israeli supporters rallied on the National Mall this week.
Police officers clashed with protesters calling for a ceasefire outside the Democratic National Committee’s D.C. office. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other lawmakers were in the office at the time of the incident and had to be evacuated.