Washington: Dozens of Democrats have inked a letter asking US President Joe Biden to affirm his administration’s strong opposition to the forced displacement of people of Palestine from the Gaza Strip.
In the letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, around 60 Democratic House of Representatives members expressed deep concern regarding “extremist rhetoric” from Israel calling for the forced displacement of Palestinians and asked President Biden to clarify his position over the matter and confirm his strong opposition.
Democrats Ask Biden to Affirm Opposition on Displacement of Palestinians
“We ask you to continue to reiterate the US’s firm commitment to this stance and urge that you provide clarification about certain provisions of the administration’s supplemental funding request,” the legislators wrote.
“Any forced expulsion of the people of Palestine from the Gaza Strip would only exacerbate the trauma and pain Palestinians in the Strip are already experiencing as a result of this war and cause regional tension and crisis for decades to come”, the lawmakers maintained.
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House Representatives Jamie Raskin and Ayanna Pressley, who belong to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, organised the letter, showing the divisions among Biden’s fellows regarding the current situation in the region and war on Gaza.
A State Department spokesperson stated that there must be no enduring forced displacement of the people of Palestine inside and outside of the Gaza Strip.
The spokesperson maintained that the US had rejected remarks by some Israeli ministers calling for displacement of Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Gaza health ministry said the war, now in its 4th month, has killed over 24,760 people in the Strip.
Situation in #Gaza:
📣 Around 70% of those killed are estimated to be women and children.
📣 2 mothers are killed every hour.
📣 Close to 3,000 women have been widowed.
📣 1,000,000 women and girls are displaced.Read our new Gender Alert: https://t.co/cahuBrsKR5 pic.twitter.com/AtDGubTMwN
— UN Women (@UN_Women) January 19, 2024
The UN said that about 70 percent of the people killed during the war in Gaza were mostly women and children, and on average two mothers have lost their lives on hour since Oct 7.
The UN women’s agency asked for an immediate ceasefire, adding no effort should be spared to ensure women receive proper protection and have safe access to humanitarian assistance.
