Vermont Rep. Becca Balint becomes first Jewish member of Congress to back ceasefire
Rep. Becca Balint Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) has joined the chorus of progressive House Democrats urging for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In an opinion piece published in VTDigger, Balint, who is the first Jewish member of Congress to make this call, emphasized the need for a “sustainable and lasting peace” in Gaza.
Working Towards a True Negotiated Ceasefire
“What is needed right now is an immediate break in violence to allow for a true negotiated cease-fire. One in which both sides stop the bloodshed, allow critical access to humanitarian aid, and move towards negotiating a sustainable and lasting peace. One that stops the deaths of innocent Gazans and leads to a near future where Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have true self-governance and economic security. One that returns all hostages safely and protects Israelis from continued terror from Hamas,”
As part of the ceasefire, Balint emphasized that Hamas should not be allowed to rule over Gaza, as the terrorist group has “violated international law.”
“For the good of Palestinians and Israelis, a lasting bilateral cease-fire can only work if Hamas does not continue to rule in Gaza. Hamas is a terrorist organization, and its stated goal is to annihilate the state of Israel. It can’t remain in power in Gaza. It has violated international law by taking hostages and massacring civilians,”
Balint, who has a personal connection to the Holocaust, acknowledged that she may not have all the answers to the conflict but is committed to using her position to bring an end to the violence and suffering.
“I want Vermonters to know that I am using the influence and power of my position to bring an end to this horrific violence and suffering. That is the work I’m doing every day,”
Balint’s call for a ceasefire aligns her with a small group of Democratic colleagues, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and other members of the progressive group known as the “Squad,” who have been advocating for a ceasefire for nearly a month.
Despite these calls, the White House has not yet supported a ceasefire, with National Security Council coordinator John Kirby stating that he does not believe it is appropriate at this time.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What role should the United States play in promoting peace and stability in the region, and how can it encourage both Israel and Hamas to engage in genuine negotiations for a sustainable ceasefire
Te end to the violence and a return to the negotiating table,” wrote Rep. Balint. She acknowledged the complexities of the conflict and the deep-rooted historical and political issues surrounding it. However, she stressed that the current escalation of violence only perpetuates suffering and hinders any possibility of a peaceful resolution.
Rep. Balint highlighted the devastating toll that the conflict has taken on innocent civilians, particularly in Gaza. She emphasized that innocent lives should never be treated as collateral damage and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life.
Furthermore, Rep. Balint called for both Israel and Hamas to engage in meaningful and genuine negotiations to reach a sustainable ceasefire. She underscored the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and finding a political solution rather than relying solely on military force.
Social Justice and Humanitarian Concerns
Rep. Balint, a champion of social justice causes, drew attention to the immense suffering and displacement experienced by Palestinians in Gaza as a result of the conflict. She expressed her deep concern for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, with limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical supplies. She called for immediate international assistance in providing necessary relief to those affected.
In addition to the humanitarian aspect, Rep. Balint highlighted the importance of upholding human rights principles and international law. She called for an investigation into any potential violations of these principles, urging both sides to maintain respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
A Role for the United States
As a member of Congress, Rep. Balint stressed the role of the United States in promoting peace and stability in the region. She called on the Biden administration to exert its influence and actively engage in diplomacy to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a meaningful ceasefire.
Rep. Balint recognized the long-standing U.S. commitment to the security of Israel but emphasized that it should not come at the expense of the well-being of Palestinians. She called for a balanced approach, urging the United States to ensure that its aid and support to Israel are contingent upon efforts towards a just and lasting solution.
Calls for International Solidarity
Rep. Balint echoed the sentiments of fellow progressive House Democrats who have called for international solidarity in addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. She urged the United States to work closely with its international partners, including regional actors and organizations such as the United Nations, to find a peaceful resolution.
She emphasized the need for a multilateral approach that takes into account the diverse perspectives and interests of all parties involved. Rep. Balint stressed the importance of providing a platform for dialogue and fostering understanding among nations to bring about a sustainable peace.
Conclusion
In her call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Rep. Becca Balint emphasized the urgency of ending the violence and returning to the negotiating table. She highlighted the need for a sustainable and lasting peace, with a focus on humanitarian relief, upholding human rights, and promoting political negotiation.
Rep. Balint recognized the role of the United States in the pursuit of peace and called on the Biden administration to actively engage in diplomatic efforts. She also highlighted the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As a Jewish member of Congress, Rep. Balint’s call for a ceasefire carries significance, demonstrating the intersectionality of her identity and her commitment to seeking justice and peace for all parties involved. Her voice adds to the growing chorus of individuals and organizations calling for an end to the violence and a path towards a just and lasting resolution in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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