Biden’s Next Step: A Blunt Conversation with Netanyahu for Lasting ‘Peace’
First, the four-day plus two-day extension pause in fighting in Gaza is hugely important. It means that for six days, the massive bombing of the territory, the killing of babies and elders and so many more will end. It also means some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be released and humanitarian aid will get into the devastated and besieged area.
Second, six days isn’t nearly enough. Even if the extension goes further to reach a full 10 days without killing. Israel has made clear it will go back to war the moment the pause expires. There’s still an urgent, desperate need for a full cease-fire.
Voices around the world — from the Pope to the United Nations secretary-general, heads of state, the foreign policy chief of the European Union and protesters across the globe led by Palestinians, Jews and so many others — are all demanding a long-term cease-fire.
Here in the U.S., members of Congress, health care and human rights workers, academics, students and so many more have joined the activists’ call. As I write, elected representatives of the New York, Virginia and Oklahoma State Assemblies, as well as congressional candidates and others, are holding a five-day fast outside the White House protesting the hunger crisis in Gaza and calling for a lasting cease-fire.
