Halt arms shipments to Israel

September 19, 2024

Background: There is no military solution that will produce lasting peace in Gaza. Rather than solidifying a ceasefire, Congress and the Biden Administration continue to allow military sales and shipments virtually unabated to Israel. Since October 7, the Biden Administration has sent over 600 arms shipments including more than 10,000 highly destructive 2000-pound bombs. In August, Congress approved a 20 billion USD military sale including 50 F-15 fighter jets.

Israeli military offensives have now moved into the West Bank with airstrikes, forced displacement, and extrajudicial killings. In Jenin, the Israeli military has engaged in widespread destruction of infrastructure, including roads, and has severed water and electricity supplies. Palestinians in the West Bank fear the violence unleashed in Gaza is coming for them next.

The destruction of Gaza, with the full support of the Biden Administration, is nothing short of apocalyptic. All universities in Gaza, along with most hospitals, 85% of school buildings, 60% of residential buildings, and 80% of commercial facilities have been severely damaged or destroyed, along with 57% of Gaza’s agricultural land. Since October, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, with some estimates putting the number dead at more than 186,000. At present, experts estimate it will take 14 years and 30-40 billion USD to make Gaza livable again.

Faith reflection: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, NRSVUE).”

Ways you can take action

(1) Urge your members of Congress and the Biden Administration to halt arms shipments to Israel and push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

(2) Support ongoing nonviolent Anabaptist actions by connecting with organizations such as Mennonite Action.

Photo above: Al-Najd Developmental Forum staff unload emergency food that has just arrived in Gaza for distribution to families in Deir al Balah and surrounding areas. Photo courtesy of Al-Najd Developmental Forum