CMEP Action Alert: Ask your Members of Congress to sign critical letter on Israel/Palestine
Since the beginning of 2023, violent conflict has significantly escalated between Israel and Palestine in the occupied West Bank. Over 85 Palestinians, including 16 children, have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers, while at least 14 Israelis, including two children have been killed. Much of this violence is attributed to an increasing series of settler attacks and raids by Israeli forces. The first quarter of the year has seen an additional 300 Palestinians injured through fires set to homes, schools and businesses in the West Bank, which continue to increase in frequency and severity.
Underlying the escalation of these violent attacks are the policies of the new Israeli government which includes the most conservative and extreme parties within Israel’s political landscape Prior to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent reacquisition of power, many concerns have been raised in congress over Israel’s military occupation in the Palestinian Territories, as well as its heightened violations of Palestinian human rights. The Biden administration has met repeatedly with Israeli officials to discuss peace and freedom for all Israelis and Palestinians in the region, but with no significant effect. Since its formation in late 2022, the new Israeli government has bolstered these concerns, especially through increased violence and plans to expand settlements and further annex Palestinian land.
In the wake of escalated violence through these events, a congress letter has requested the White House and the Department of State led by Representative Jamaal Bowman and Senator Bernie Sanders has been drafted to ensure that United States funding to Israel does not to contribute toward any gross violations of human rights in the region.