Palestinians and allies attend a cease-fire rally in Des Moines, Iowa in April 2024 Jon Krieg / AFSC
Yesterday and early this morning, the Israeli military launched airstrikes in Lebanon and Iran, assassinating leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas. Ismail Haniyeh – the Hamas leader killed in Tehran – was a former Palestinian Prime Minister and a key player in negotiations to bring about a cease-fire in Gaza.
Bombing the capital cities of other countries and killing a political leader who was part of cease-fire negotiations undermines the chances of an end to Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza, which has killed at least 39,000 Palestinians and likely tens of thousands more.
It also dramatically increases the likelihood of an expanded regional war. A war would be devastating for people in the surrounding countries, exacerbate the already devastating situation in Gaza, and severely hamper possibilities for a cease-fire and a prisoner/hostage exchange.
To avoid further killing, deescalate tension in the region, and avoid the spread of war, the U.S. and other members of the international community must enforce an arms embargo on Israel, demand an immediate cease-fire, and take steps to hold accountable all parties responsible for war crimes and violations of the law.
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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.