Nearly 50 House Democrats sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on Dec. 22, urging his administration to pressure Israel over what they describe as ceasefire violations in Gaza.
Led by Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Madeline Dean (D-Pa.), the letter states that the congressmen have serious concerns “regarding Israeli actions in Gaza,” citing continued military operations, destruction of property and what they say is insufficient humanitarian aid.
JNS sought comment from Pocan and Dean about why the letter fails to mention that Hamas still holds the body of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili in direct violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The letter acknowledges that “both Hamas and Israel have committed ceasefire violations,” noting that Hamas has carried out a “violent crackdown” in Gaza and has killed Israeli soldiers since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10.
Israel is one of Washington’s closest allies. Hamas has been a U.S.-designated terror organization since 1997.
Terrorists killed Gvili on Oct. 7 as he fought back against them. His sister told JNS she is traveling to the United States to talk to administration officials to make sure that her brother’s body is returned to Israel before the second phase of the ceasefire agreement begins.
The letter blames Israel for “near daily violations,” citing articles from Qatar-owned Al Jazeera as sources for claims that the Israeli military has killed children since the ceasefire went into effect.
The 49 congressmen ask the Trump administration to exert “maximum pressure on the Israeli government” and leverage “U.S. assistance.” They add that they are “hopeful that this moment is one that can be met with the conviction needed to end the cycle of bloodshed that has plagued the region for so long.”
