It has been 142 days of the war in Gaza, and I am afraid the reality is growing increasingly dire. There are still over 100 Israeli hostages captive in Gaza. Over 28,000 Palestinians have been killed, approximately 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced and are currently crammed in over-crowded makeshift tent cities near the Rafah border crossing. Everyday I wake up to more news that Israel's blockade on international aid is severely limiting humanitarian assistance and medical aid, leaving 2.3 million people facing food and water shortages in unhygienic conditions. In addition, everyday Israeli leaders continue the war on Gaza, they are putting the lives of Israelis and hostages at risk. Sign this petition demanding Biden stop the war on Gaza.
While the Israeli government continues to send soldiers into Gaza, attacking hospitals and enclosing millions of Gazans into the southern point of the Strip, some of those most affected by the Hamas assault on October 7th are actively resisting the assault on Gaza.
Maoz Inon, the son of Bilha Inon and Yacovi Inon, both killed by Hamas on October 7th, has since declared himself a peace and anti-war activist. A few weeks ago, I attended an anti-war rally where Inon said:
“To the American administration, and to the government of Germany, please don’t send us military aid, send us reconciliation aid. Send us initiative aid. Send us peace aid. We want peace, not war. Your unlimited support in Hague, in the UN Security Council, in the Israeli government. That is dehumanizing and oppressing, not just the Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank, they are … oppressing [the] freedom of speech, the freedom of gathering, the freedom of protesting, the voices of peace here in Israel.”
I agree wholeheartedly with Maoz Inon when he urges world leaders to listen to the voices of the families who Israel claims to be waging this war for - people who know the profound toll of upholding the occupation, apartheid and the ongoing war on Gaza. People who want true justice, safety and lasting peace for all living between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean sea. You can amplify their voices by signing this petition.
Refuser Solidarity Network has created a petition asking Biden to stop the war on Gaza. We demand Biden:
“1. Publicly call for, and take action towards, an immediate ceasefire, followed by humanitarian aid and release of all hostages and prisoners.
2. Condition continued aid to Israel on concrete steps to end the occupation of the Palestinian people and bring about a political solution to the conflict.”
Currently the United States is not listening to Inon’s and other war resisters' pleas, as the US Senate just passed a bill allocating $14 billion in military aid to Israel. It is time you and I stand in solidarity with Palestinians and Israeli war resisters, and urge President Biden to find the moral courage to stop contributing to this horrific war on Gaza and work towards a better future.
You can sign the petition by clicking here.
Thank you for your support and solidarity,
Maya Eshel
International Solidarity Coordinator
Refuser Solidarity Network