In a significant development, 400 government officials from 40 departments and agencies within President Biden’s administration have collectively signed a letter expressing opposition to the president’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and urging an immediate cease-fire. The letter, whose signatories remain anonymous to shield against potential professional repercussions, includes officials from key entities such as the State Department, White House, National Security Council, and the Justice Department.
The letter, reported by the New York Times, calls on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire and advocate for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict. The officials specifically emphasized the need for the immediate release of Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians, restoration of essential services such as water, fuel, and electricity in Gaza, and the facilitation of adequate humanitarian aid to the region.
Notably, the letter’s release follows a broader trend within Biden’s administration, where there is internal discord regarding the approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the administration, including President Biden, has resisted calls for a cease-fire, arguing that it would only benefit Hamas terrorists, some officials within the government are evidently pushing for a different stance.
The Biden administration has been advocating for humanitarian pauses in the fighting, a position that has received approval from Israel. Despite the internal dissent within the administration, the White House has not issued an official response to the letter.
Internationally, French President Emmanuel Macron has stood out as the sole major Western leader calling for Israel to implement a cease-fire. However, Macron clarified that he still believes in Israel’s right to defend itself.
This internal disagreement within Biden’s administration reflects broader divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Progressive members of the party have expressed varying opinions on the matter, with some labeling Israel as an “apartheid state” and characterizing the war in Gaza as a “genocide” against Palestinians. The issue has prompted public rebukes, such as the one faced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib for her comments on Israel. As Israel’s conflict with Hamas intensifies, the situation is reaching a critical point, with Israeli forces reportedly surrounding Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, alleging that Hamas has entrenched its headquarters beneath the medical facility.
🚨 Pro-Palestine protesters are gathering outside of Joe Biden’s Delaware home
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 14, 2023
“Can you address the hostages directly and give them a message of hope?”
BIDEN, angrily: “Yes I can, I’ve been talking with the people involved every single day” pic.twitter.com/OJxWKgPQUu
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 14, 2023
