Dear friend,
The temporary ceasefire in Palestine, which was initially for a period of 4 days, was extended for another 48 hours, and will be ending later today. During this time, Palestinian political prisoners and Israeli captives are also slowly being released in a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.
In just a matter of weeks, the movement for Palestine has taken the number of Members of Congress calling for a ceasefire from zero to almost fifty! There is one critical Senator that needs to call for a ceasefire — and we need your help to put the pressure on her. Senator Tammy Duckworth is on the Senate Armed Services Committee and holds a lot of sway in Congress. She represents the largest population of Palestinians in the United States, and her counterpart Senator Dick Durbin has already joined the call for a ceasefire. People have been putting pressure on her in Illinois — and now we all have to!
Demand Sen Duckworth Call for a Permanent Ceasefire!
The effects of Israel's attack on Gaza have been devastating. Since the start of the recent attack on Gaza, over 15,000 Palestinians have been murdered by Israel and 1.5 million have been displaced in Gaza. According to the World Health Organization, more people could die from disease than from bombing in Gaza. Senator Duckworth knows all this, but she refuses to call for a ceasefire and even blocked us from entering her office a couple of weeks ago.
Although there is a ceasefire in place, Israeli soldiers still shot at Gazans who were attempting to return to their homes.
Although there is a ceasefire in place, Israel still carried out deadly raids in the West Bank. Israel still tear gasses and opens fire on Palestinians in Betunia who wait to greet political prisoners who are being released in exchange for Israeli captives.
Tell Duckworth we need a Permanent Ceasefire NOW!
Although Israel is set to release a total of 150 Palestinian political prisoners during the exchange, they have arrested 133 Palestinians since it started 5 days ago.
Even in a ceasefire, Palestinians are subjected to deadly violence, imprisonment, and occupation by Israel. The presence of the Israeli Occupation Forces in Palestine is an inherent threat to every Palestinian. A temporary ceasefire is not enough. We must demand a permanent ceasefire and an end to the occupation.
Our collective effort is necessary to move Senator Duckworth on this issue. Join us this week in demanding Senator Tammy Duckworth call for a ceasefire!
Towards Peace,
Nour and the entire CODEPINK team