Several hard-line progressive Democrats introduced legislation Monday in the House of Representatives that would call on Israel and terrorist group Hamas to agree to a ceasefire in their war following the terrorist organization’s fatal attacks on the Jewish state, killing hundreds of civilians and taking hostages back to Gaza.
In the bill, called the “Ceasefire Now Resolution,” Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Andre Carson (D-IN), Summer Lee (D-PA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) asked that Congress call “for an immediate deescalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine.”
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR RISKS UPENDING TRADE AND COMMODITIES SHIPPING
Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent and has a Palestinian flag outside her congressional office, drawing criticism during Israel’s war, said, “We need legislation that saves as many lives as possible, no matter one’s faith or ethnicity.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues and a coalition of human rights advocates in calling for de-escalation, ceasefire, and a strong humanitarian response that prevents more devastating civilian casualties across the region,” the representative said.
According to Bush, a prominent supporter of Black Lives Matter, “I am grieving for every Palestinian, Israeli, and American life lost to this violence, and my heart breaks for all those who will be forever traumatized because of it.”
She explained that her legislation calls for deescalation and a ceasefire, as well as humanitarian assistance for “the 2.2 million people under siege and trapped in Gaza.“
“The United States bears a unique responsibility to exhaust every diplomatic tool at our disposal to prevent mass atrocities and save lives. We can’t bomb our way to peace, equality, and freedom. With thousands of lives lost and millions more at stake, we need a ceasefire now,” she said.
Bowman, who was recently forced to condemn a rally promoted by the Democratic Socialists of America in New York City celebrating the terrorist attacks on Israel, added: “The events that have unfolded over the past week in Israel and Gaza are horrifying violations of human rights and international law that have resulted in the devastating loss of thousands of civilian lives.”
“We must do everything in our power to end this ongoing violence. Our actions should proceed on the basis of recognizing our shared humanity, including rejecting violence in all forms and pursuing an urgent ceasefire and de-escalation so we can save civilian lives,” he continued.
This measure has been introduced as the House is expected to take up legislation to provide additional aid for Israel to defend itself from Iran-backed Hamas.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Neither the White House nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) provided comment to the Washington Examiner.
At least 30 Americans are known to have died in the Hamas attacks on Israel, according to a number from the State Department that has climbed over the last week. Furthermore, there are 13 Americans who remain unaccounted for following the assault.
