FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 12, 2024
CONTACT: Etan Mabourakh | 954.817.3022 | [email protected]
Seattle WA: Today, 50 local signers with a Washington state presence delivered a letter calling on the U.S. Senators Murray and Cantwell to support a ceasefire in Gaza as well as further legislative initiatives to ensure that U.S. military aid to Israel and other countries complies with U.S. and international law. Senators Murray and Cantwell have yet to publicly express support for a ceasefire and other measures to end the war in Gaza.
QUOTE from NIAC SEATTLE CHAPTER
The coalition, part of a national campaign taking part in 17 states, includes peace, antiwar, faith-based, and other organizations such as OneAmerica and Seattle Anti-War Coalition and the Washington chapters of the Friends Committee for National Legislation and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
These groups underscore in their letter that putting an end to all of the hostilities in Gaza is the safest way to secure the remaining hostages while simultaneously rebuilding a diplomatic foundation upon which peace and stability can be achieved.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, both in terms of the urgency of ending the slaughter in Gaza as thousands face starvation on top of the ongoing military offensive, and with the Senate likely taking up legislative measures next week. Foremost is Senator Bernie Sanders’ S.Res. 504 invoking Section 502(B)c of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which would require a State Department report on Israel’s human rights violations. The organizations urged support for this resolution, along with the amendment offered by Senator Chris Van Hollen to the proposed supplemental funding bill with concentrated aid to Israel.
Following is the text of the letter and list of signers:
Dear Senators Murray and Cantwell,
We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, remain steadfast in calling for a bilateral and lasting ceasefire to end Israel’s devastating war in Gaza. Ending the war is the best way to get all the hostages released, set the stage for diplomacy to find a solution to the seemingly endless cycle of violence in Israel-Palestine, and avert an escalation to a full-blown regional war.
However, while the war continues, the Senate must do its part to ensure compliance with US and international laws. We urge you to support Sen. Van Hollen et al. amendment to the proposed supplemental funding bill, which requires that military assistance for other countries paid for by U.S. taxpayers be used consistent with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. This need to condition military aid upon compliance with international law will remain relevant and worthy of your support regardless of the fate of said supplemental.
We also urge you to co-sponsor and vote for S. Res. 504, Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolution under Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. § 2304) that requires a report on Israel’s human rights practices and U.S. military aid to Israel. After months of devastation in Gaza, there is an urgent need for a meaningful debate on U.S. support for Israeli operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including the extent to which U.S. military aid may be supporting violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. This resolution is pursuant to current U.S. law, specifically Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which sets out a process for reporting and transparency.
Thank you for your attention to these crucial and timely initiatives to help end this conflict and save countless lives. We look forward to your response and are available to meet to discuss these matters further.
Signed,
Organizations
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility
Immanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Spokane Veterans for Peace #035
The Whatcom Peace and Justice Center
350 Eastside
Seattle Anti-War Coalition
Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network PNW
Western WA Fellowship of Reconciliation Seattle Chapter
Pax Christi Northwest
Friends Committee on National Legislation
OneAmerica
Seattle Friends Committee on National Legislation Advocacy Team
MAPS-AMEN (American Muslim Empowerment Network)
Individuals
Paul Benz, Mercer Island
Martha Durkee-Neuman, Seattle
Joseph Berkson, Seattle
Mirah Wood, Shoreline
Alice Rothchild, MD, Seattle
Adrienne Papermaster, Seattle
Mona Lee, Seattle
John Alder, Spokane
Jessica Holman, Seattle
Christa Erwin, Seattle
Colleen Curtis, Bellingham
Robert Richard, Spokane
Emily Pham, Seattle
Goo Lee, University Place
Nancy Hansen, Kenmore
Vafa Ghazi, Seattle
Aria Fani, Lynnwood
Sarah Blum, Auburn
Roy Ghazimorad, Woodinville
Ali Marashi, Bellevue
Cindy Cole, Bellingham
Sorour Abdi, Kenmore
Glen Anderson, Lacey
Tasha Essen, Seattle
Phillip Lewis, Seattle
Mosen Abdi, Kenmore
Louise Lansberry, Seattle
Marcia Stone, Seattle
Jean Buskin, Seattle
Elaine Hickman, Seattle
Rosy Betz-Zall, Seattle
Mary Hanson, Seattle
Bahram Fallah, Redmond
David Lambert, Fircrest
Farzan Mamaghani, Sammamish
Jonathan Brown, Seattle
Heather Shaver, Tacoma
Rev. Deanna Vandiver, Bainbridge Island
Aneelah Afzali, Seattle
Joanne Quinn, Seattle
Heidi Sadri, Seattle
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