Conditions for Palestinians in Gaza resulting from Israel’s disproportionate response to the events of Oct. 7, 2023 have created a humanitarian catastrophe that has amounted to charges of genocide by the international community. The ongoing attacks, coupled with a blockade and extensive infrastructure damage, have resulted in severe shortages of essential supplies including food, water, fuel, and health care supplies that continue to cost the lives of thousands of innocent people.
Since the killing of more than 1,200 Israelis by Hamas, the resulting bombing campaign by Israel has resulted in the deaths of more than 32,000 Palestinians, at least 70% of them women and children. This staggering loss of life underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention to prevent further tragedy.
By providing Israel with unrestricted access to weapons, ammunition, and bombs, as well as support in international bodies such as the United Nations, the United States is complicit in this crisis. Its military and political support enables Israel to continue to carry out military operations in Gaza, contributing to the devastation of civilian infrastructure and loss of life that grows larger every day.
UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierres has repeatedly highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties and alleviate the suffering of the population. He has stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in conflict zones, essential to ensuring that innocent people are not the victims of military retaliation.
The New York City Peace Corps Association stands with those in the international community who support an end to this wanton destruction and strongly urges President Biden to demand that Israel implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and take concrete action to ensure the crucial flow of humanitarian aid to the local population to prevent further loss of innocent lives to starvation and disease.
It is imperative that the United States show leadership and stand by the values of partnership and cooperation that have driven so many of us to serve our country and the world, and every day that Israel is allowed to commit these acts without repercussion represents more innocent lives lost.
We urge all of our leaders to take a stand against the killing of innocent civilians and make clear that Israel must be held accountable for its violations of international law.