Washington, DC – J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“While the ceasefire has brought welcome relief to Israelis and Palestinians after months of violence and trauma, conditions in Gaza remain dire. Continued incidents of violence – including the killing of two young Palestinian brothers, ages eight and 11, over the weekend – underscore the need for change. Since the ceasefire, more than 350 Palestinians have been killed.
The Netanyahu government continues to restrict humanitarian aid and access to medical care, destroy homes and infrastructure in areas under its control, and maintain rules of engagement that are fueling unnecessary casualties and violence. Hamas refuses to disarm, represses internal dissent and has been slow to finalize the return of the last of the hostages’ remains.
This situation cannot be allowed to solidify. Hamas and the Netanyahu government each have an interest in freezing the current reality: Netanyahu to block a Palestinian state and Hamas to retain control. Only strong US leadership, backed by regional partners, can move the parties forward.
The Arab states must press Hamas to return the last hostage remains, reduce flashpoints with the IDF, disarm and accept new governance and security arrangements.
The US must intensively press the Netanyahu government to stop obstructing aid, revise rules of engagement and ensure accountability when soldiers use unlawful force. It must also reject efforts by Netanyahu to block the Palestinian Authority from any future role in Gaza.
The path out of this crisis is outlined in the American 20-point plan. The White House should act quickly to implement it – establishing a stabilization force, creating interim governance, beginning reconstruction, readying the PA to take over and sequencing the disarmament of Hamas alongside the full withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Delay will only deepen the suffering and increase the danger. J Street will continue to advocate for expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza, full implementation of the American plan and pursuit of a 23-state solution that ensures Israel’s full integration into the Middle East alongside a new State of Palestine.”