Senator Durbin diverges from Biden administration, calls for ceasefire
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Instead of the "pause" mainly called for by US officials, the US Senator swims against the stream and calls for a "ceasefire".
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Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. leads a hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 (AP)
The second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Illinois), stated that he was in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza. This is significant as it goes opposite the stance of President Biden and several Democratic senators, who are only advocating for a "pause".
When questioned by CNN's Poppy Harlow if a ceasefire was needed, Durbin expressed that he thought it was, adding that it would need to occur “under circumstances” and should be initiated with the release of captives.
He went on to say that Israelis and Palestinians ought to "engage in conversation." When asked to explain his stance, a spokesperson for Durbin stated that the Senator thought that a humanitarian pause and a short ceasefire were the same thing.
The administration's request for a "pause" has been echoed by other senators and members of the House. However, there is a tiny minority of legislators in Congress who support a ceasefire and even fewer senators who do so.
On Wednesday, Bernie Sanders advocated for a "humanitarian pause" and to "stop the bombing," adding that the “current Israeli strategy must end" and emphasizing it could not bomb its way to a solution.
This comes as numerous Democrats, including Representatives Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley, called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden asked for a "pause" in the aggression on Gaza, albeit only after a request from a Rabbi in his audience as the US President continues to turn a blind eye to the thousands of Palestinians killed so far in the Israeli aggression, the tens of thousands injured, the millions displaced, and the entire Strip that is under a complete blockade for almost a month now.
Meanwhile, Senator Chris Murphy also posted on X that the level of civilian harm being caused by "Israel" is "unacceptable", calling on "Israel" to reconsider its approach.
My new Gaza statement:
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 2, 2023
"It's time for Israel's friends to recognize that the current approach is causing an unacceptable level of civilian harm and does not appear likely to achieve the goal of ending the threat from Hamas. I urge Israel to immediately reconsider its approach." pic.twitter.com/dVpGrjJFdp
Muslim Americans say ceasefire before votes
Days ago, Muslim Americans and certain Democratic Party supporters expressed their intent to mobilize millions of Muslim voters and refrain from contributing donations or votes toward President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection unless he promptly acts to facilitate a Gaza ceasefire.
The National Muslim Democratic Council, a group comprising Democratic Party figures from pivotal states in the upcoming election, including Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, urged Biden to leverage his influence with "Israel" to mediate a ceasefire by 5 pm ET (2100 GMT) on Tuesday.
In an open letter titled "2023 Ceasefire Ultimatum," Muslim leaders in the US committed to rallying Muslim voters and refraining from backing, supporting, or voting for any candidate who backs the Israeli offensive on Palestinians.
The Council expressed that President Biden's administration, which has provided unwavering support, including financial aid and weaponry, has been a major factor in sustaining the violence that leads to civilian casualties and undermines the trust of voters who had previously supported him.
