In a recent development, over a dozen campaign staffers of President Biden, who were hired to re-elect him, have issued an anonymous letter expressing their concerns about his approach to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The letter, shared on Medium, calls for Biden to advocate for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict, which was initiated by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas’ surprise attack on innocent Israelis. The staffers, in their letter, argue that the deaths of Palestinians “cannot be justified” and criticize Israel’s “indiscriminate” bombings in Gaza, stating that it goes against Biden’s belief in justice, empathy, and the dignity of human life.
The letter, signed by 17 current Biden for President staffers, further emphasizes that they joined the campaign because they believe in the shared values of justice, empathy, and the dignity of human life, which are not only important for the Democratic Party but also for the country as a whole. They express their concern that the administration’s response to Israel’s bombings in Gaza contradicts these values and could potentially harm Biden’s chances of re-election in 2024. The staffers call for an end to unconditional military aid to Israel, a deescalation of the conflict, including the release of hostages, and an investigation into whether Israel’s actions violate the Leahy Law, which prohibits the U.S. military from funding foreign military forces involved in human rights violations.
Highlighting the importance of the issue, the letter states that a majority of Democrats, especially young Americans, feel passionately about the conflict in Gaza, with 72% of voters under 30 disapproving of Biden’s handling of the situation. The staffers stress that being an alternative to Donald Trump is not enough for Biden’s campaign and that he needs to actively support a cease-fire to resonate with voters.
This is not the first time Biden’s Israel policy has faced internal criticism. In December, dozens of staffers protested his approach, spelling out “Ceasefire” with lit candles and demanding a change in strategy. The recent letter adds to the growing pressure on the Biden administration to address the concerns surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
It is important to note that this development highlights the divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict. The letter also sheds light on the significance of the Israel-Hamas war as a key issue for both domestic and international audiences. The Biden administration will need to carefully navigate these concerns and find a balanced approach to maintain support within the party and address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
