Congresswoman Bush Statement One Year Following Ceasefire Now Resolution
Washington, D.C. (Oct. 16, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement one year after she and her colleagues introduced the Ceasefire Now Resolution.
“One year ago, tragedy unfolded—over 2,700 Palestinian lives and 1,200 Israeli lives taken, hundreds held hostage, and thousands more were injured in the aftermath of October 7th. Entire neighborhoods and communities in Gaza were decimated. We understood then that failing to prioritize diplomacy over military interventions would have catastrophic consequences for peace and humanity.
“My colleagues and I introduced the historic Ceasefire Now Resolution—legislation that urged the Biden Administration to call for immediate de-escalation and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This transformational resolution has laid the groundwork for a global anti-war, pro-peace movement aimed at ending the Israeli government’s horrific war crimes and crimes against humanity, and its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
“Today–exactly a year later–the nightmare scenario that prompted the Ceasefire Now Resolution worsens by the day. The world is watching an ongoing genocide in Gaza, with over 40,000 Palestinians confirmed dead, including over 16,000 children. Gaza is essentially uninhabitable, famine is rampant, and the conflict has spread across the region, claiming lives in the West Bank, Israel, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.
“Much of the devastation, trauma, and loss in the past 375 days is irreversible. While the permanent ceasefire we demanded in our resolution is still within reach, the escalating violence has led our calls for an immediate arms embargo to take precedence. We cannot achieve peace and stability while simultaneously fueling death and destruction.
“Imagine the lives that could have been saved had President Biden used the immense leverage he has at his disposal to suspend the funding and weapons sales enabling Netanyahu’s war. It’s unconscionable that one year later, we still are pushing the President to stop funding, arming, and sanctioning the extermination of an entire people, and the escalation of violence. We won’t stop demanding action.
“Our resolve remains unwavering: End the violence. Impose an immediate arms embargo. Facilitate a permanent ceasefire. Prioritize peace, diplomacy, accountability, and humanity. All of it – NOW.”
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