Priorities for Washington in Israel-Hamas Conflict

As it supports Israel’s fight against Hamas, the United States must make clear that collective punishment for Palestinians must end. Problems viewing this email? [View it in your browser]( [Center for American Progress]( National Security & International Policy [A Palestinian family searches their home destroyed during the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, November 2023. (Getty/Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto)]( A [new column]( from Center for American Progress proposes five immediate priorities for the Biden administration and Congress in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The column affirms support for Israel but makes the case for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis for the people of Gaza and clear the way for the return of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the October 7 terror attack. “U.S. policymakers must be clear about their own goals as America will be seen to have partial ownership of the circumstances on the ground, as Israel’s ultimate guarantor,” the column says. “It is simply not enough to ‘encourage’ humanitarian relief while still supporting indiscriminate bombing with an undetermined endpoint.” We urge Congress and the Biden administration to pursue the following five priorities: - Work swiftly to negotiate an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that lets critical aid reach civilians in Gaza and allows for time to develop a clearer long-term strategy to combat Hamas. - Center U.S. diplomacy to advance a political solution that can deliver lasting peace in the region. - Support Israel’s defense needs while making clear that continued collective punishment against Palestinians jeopardizes long-term plans for peace. - Protect humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and commit to funding robust and long-term efforts to rebuild Gaza. - Require that security assistance to Israel comply with U.S. laws and policies on civilian protection and human rights. [Sign up for National Security and International Policy updates from CAP.]( “The United States has an unshakeable obligation to Israel,” said [Patrick Gaspard,]( president and CEO of CAP and co-author of the column. “But being tethered to Israel is not the same as granting absolute proxy to a discredited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conduct wide-scale warfare, in the midst of a shattered civilian population, with U.S. military resources.” These positions are both urgent and essential as the United States considers its priorities for long-term engagement. This engagement will require prioritizing political and material investments—not only military—after a perceived pivot away from the Middle East; it will require cultivating regional partnerships rooted in mutual trust and shared values; and it will require a renewed commitment to the principles of peace, law, self-determination, and equality for Israelis and Palestinians. [read more]( [Support CAP]( [Manage Email Preferences or Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( [Center for American Progress]( Center for American Progress 1333 H Street NW Washington, D.C. 20005 [supporter]