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Tell Bush: Prevent Violent Escalation in Gaza; Support Ceasefire Talks Now!
Another deadly round of fighting seems imminent in Gaza, as Israel threatens a major military invasion and Hamas threatens a massive response. Urge President Bush to prevent this escalation of violence before it starts and to support an Israel-Hamas ceasefire now! The past two years have demonstrated that increased military engagement and the cutting off of humanitarian aid will neither stop the rocket attacks nor convince Palestinians to reject their Hamas leadership. Indeed, such actions have often increased support for extremism. The U.S. must encourage Israel to begin ceasefire talks with Hamas now that could stop the Qassam attacks on southern Israel and prevent another escalation of violence in Gaza. Please contact President Bush today!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , As an American Jew, I urge you to prevent an escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza before it starts and to support an Israel-Hamas ceasefire now! In order to prevent the Qassam rocket attacks on southern Israel that have increased in recent weeks, Israel has announced plans for a large-scale military invasion of the Hamas-controlled Gaza strip, as well as intentions to cut off the flow of fuel and electricity. Hamas, in turn, is threatening to respond with "50,000 gunmen." A confrontation in Gaza could trigger a resumption of horrific suicide bombings within Israel, a protracted and costly military presence in Gaza, and the loss of life on both sides. The U.S. must not be silent when another round of violence is imminent. I urge you to encourage Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas, whether through back-channel talks, a neutral third party, or other means of indirect diplomacy. The past two years have demonstrated that increased military engagement and the cutting off of humanitarian aid will neither stop the rocket attacks nor convince Palestinians to reject their Hamas leadership. Indeed, such actions have often increased support for extremism. The U.S. must encourage Israel to begin ceasefire talks with Hamas now that could stop the Qassam attacks on southern Israel and prevent another escalation of violence in Gaza. As important progress is being made leading up to the international meeting in November, a resumption of violence could set back peace prospects for months. Please support an Israel-Hamas ceasefire today!
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
In order to prevent the Qassam rocket attacks on southern Israel that have increased in recent weeks, Israel has announced plans for a large-scale military invasion of the Hamas-controlled Gaza strip, as well as intentions to cut off the flow of fuel and electricity. Hamas, in turn, is threatening to respond with “50,000 gunmen.” A confrontation in Gaza could trigger a resumption of horrific suicide bombings within Israel, a protracted and costly military presence in Gaza, and the loss of life on both sides.
The U.S. must not be silent when another round of violence is imminent. Call on the Bush Administration to encourage Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas, whether through back-channel talks, a neutral third party, or other means of indirect diplomacy.
President Bush needs to hear from American Jews who believe that Israel’s security is best found through diplomacy, not more military engagement. Specifically, tell Bush to:
- Prevent a violent escalation in Gaza
- Encourage Israel to begin ceasefire talks with Hamas
- Urge Israel not to cut off fuel and electricity in Gaza
- Continue progress on November’s international meeting
Despite official U.S. opposition to engagement with Hamas, Israel already held indirect talks with certain Hamas leaders in an attempt to secure the release of kidnapped soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit. In addition, Hamas has more than once offered Israel a hudna, or long-term ceasefire, and has reiterated that call recently.
As important progress is being made leading up to the international meeting in November, a resumption of violence could set back peace prospects for months. Please contact President Bush and support an Israel-Hamas ceasefire today!
Additional links:
Israel's pre-summit dilemma: Leave Hamas out or bring it in, by Leslie Susser. JTA. Oct 1, 2007.
Group asks Bush to press Israel. JTA. Oct 1 2007.
Under presure, Hamas renews call for cease-fire with Israel. Haaretz. Oct 1 2007.
Hamas says 50,000 gunmen ready to defend Gaza, by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Reuters. Sept 28 2007.
Barak: Gaza Sweep Soon. JTA. Sept 26 2007.
Leading Israeli authors, intellectuals call for truce with Hamas, by Shiri Lev Ari and Mazal Mualem. Haaretz. Sept 24 2007.
Does Israel Really Want to Strengthen Abbas? by MJ Rosenberg. IPF Friday. Aug 31 2007.
