Progressives persist in pressuring Biden despite brief Gaza ceasefire
Progressives Demand Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza Despite Hostage Deal
Progressives are standing firm in their call for Israel to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, even after the White House successfully brokered a deal with Hamas that will result in a temporary pause in fighting. Israel has agreed to a four- to five-day cessation of hostilities as part of the agreement, which leading Democrats have hailed as a crucial step towards bringing home the approximately 240 hostages held by Hamas. As part of the deal, at least 50 hostages will be released in exchange for around 150 Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Anatomy of a Deal: How the Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Unfolded
The October 7th massacre and Israel’s military offensive have exposed internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Progressive lawmakers have openly opposed Israel’s response to the attack, which marked the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, while most members of the party have emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for restraint.
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American in Congress, has been leading the charge on Capitol Hill to pressure the Biden administration and fellow party members to support a ceasefire. In response to news of the hostage deal, Tlaib stated that a temporary break in fighting is “not enough.”
“When this short-term agreement expires, the bombing of innocent civilians will continue,” Tlaib said. “We need a permanent ceasefire that saves lives, brings all the hostages and those arbitrarily detained home, and puts an end to this horrific violence.”
Representative Cori Bush (D-MO), another leader in the ceasefire push, referred to the agreement as a “welcome and necessary start,” but acknowledged that it falls short of their ultimate goal of ending the hostilities.
“It further proves the effectiveness of de-escalation and diplomacy — not military force — as a means of saving lives and affirms why we must keep up our push for a permanent ceasefire,” Bush said in a statement.
While the progressive faction has support within the Democratic Party, they do not have the majority of elected Democrats backing them. Senate Democrats, ranging from staunch Israel loyalists to critics, view the hostage deal as an opportunity to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the struggling people of Gaza.
Even among those who have publicly acknowledged the high number of casualties in Gaza since Israel’s military offensive began, not a single member of the Senate has called for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the de facto leader of the progressive movement, believes that an unconditional cessation of hostilities would only benefit Hamas. However, he has criticized Israel’s right-wing government and its approach to diplomacy.
In an op-ed published on Wednesday, Sanders expressed his support for a “significant, extended humanitarian pause” to allow essential aid to reach Gaza and save lives.
“If Wednesday morning’s deal — in which 50 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for a four-day pause in fighting — is honored, it is a promising first step that we can build upon, and hopefully work to extend the pause,” he said. “This extended pause must not precede a resumption of indiscriminate bombing. Israel will continue to go after Hamas, but it must dramatically change its tactics to minimize civilian harm.”
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) made headlines in late October when he announced his support for a ceasefire. However, he specified that it should be contingent upon the immediate and safe release of all hostages and the delivery of civilian aid.
On Wednesday, Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, expressed his relief and optimism about the deal to release 50 hostages over a four-day ceasefire, with the possibility of extending the ceasefire for an additional day for every ten hostages released.
“We cannot rest until every single hostage has been returned to their families and loved ones,” he added.
Meanwhile, several Democratic senators have reiterated their support for Israel’s military operation to eliminate Hamas in response to news of the deal.
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) stated, “I commend the efforts of all those involved in reaching an agreement after difficult negotiations with Hamas. While this latest hostage release agreement is encouraging, we must not lose sight of the remaining hostages still held against their will in Gaza. I continue to support Israel in its campaign to rid Gaza of the Hamas terrorists and eventually bring a sustainable peace to the region where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in safety and dignity.”
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What actions can the U.S. government and the international community take to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza?
The violence in Gaza, while also urging both Israel and Hamas to engage in meaningful negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.
“We must recognize the serious humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the need for immediate relief for its people. However, a temporary pause in fighting will not address the root causes of this conflict or prevent future escalations,” Sanders wrote. “Israel and Hamas must come to the table, engage in good faith negotiations, and find a peaceful resolution that ensures the security and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
The Biden administration has been supportive of the ceasefire deal, but has also emphasized the need for a long-term solution. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated, “Our objective, of course, is to see a lasting de-escalation of violence and a cessation of hostilities that can provide space for a longer-term ceasefire and negotiations.”
Progressives, however, are demanding more action from both the U.S. government and the international community. They argue that a temporary pause in fighting will only result in a return to the status quo, with Palestinians living under the ongoing threat of violence and Israelis facing the risk of rocket attacks.
In an open letter to President Biden, progressive lawmakers wrote, “We urge you to use the full weight of the United States’ diplomatic influence to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The lives of innocent civilians on both sides depend on it.”
The signatories of the letter include Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), among others.
The issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a deeply divisive one, both within the Democratic Party and on the national stage. Progressives have been vocal in their support for Palestinian rights and their criticism of Israel’s policies, while other Democrats emphasize the importance of Israel’s security and the need to defend against terrorism.
The current ceasefire deal, while providing a temporary reprieve from the violence, will not satisfy those on either side of the debate. Progressives will continue to push for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, while others will focus on providing humanitarian aid and working towards a long-term resolution.
As the situation in Gaza remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the progressive faction within the Democratic Party will not waver in its demand for peace and justice for the Palestinian people.
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