Posts tagged with "palestine"

Emergency Meeting in Bogotá Demands Military Action in Gaza

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Today, a critical gathering is underway in Bogotá, Colombia—an emergency ministerial meeting where over 30 states are confronting one of the gravest moral tests of our time: the ongoing genocide in Gaza. As citizens deeply invested in American ideals of justice, freedom, and human rights, this moment demands our attention and active participation.

The Urgent Reality: Gaza’s Defining Test

For months, the world has witnessed an unfolding tragedy in Gaza. Indiscriminate bombing, mass displacement, starvation, and the systematic targeting of essential infrastructure have pushed conditions beyond description. What we are seeing is not merely conflict, but an ideological commitment to extermination, with reports of concentration camps now being built. Existing diplomatic efforts, sanctions, and condemnations, while significant, have proven insufficient to halt these atrocities.

This is where the Bogotá meeting, co-convened by the courageous leadership of Colombia and South Africa, becomes a pivotal opportunity. It’s a chance for states to move beyond rhetoric and towards decisive action.

Beyond BDS: The Imperative for Intervention

While boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) are vital tools of peaceful resistance, the scale of the crisis in Gaza now necessitates more immediate and protective measures. The experts convening in Bogotá understand this: military intervention, not as an act of war, but as a humanitarian imperative, is increasingly seen as the only realistic way to prevent the imminent extermination of the Palestinian population.

This isn’t about aggression; it’s about protection. It’s about breaking a suffocating siege to allow life-saving aid, enforcing a no-fly zone, disarming military infrastructure that perpetrates violence, and ensuring compliance with international law.

Why This Matters to American Culture and Society: Injustice Anywhere is Injustice Everywhere

For those of us who still believe in the soul of America—a nation founded on principles of liberty and justice for all—the events in Gaza are a stark mirror. Our nation’s foreign policy has a profound impact globally, and as engaged citizens, we have a moral obligation to advocate for policies that align with our deepest values. And what’s happening in Gaza, Palestine is a horrendous genocide and deliberate extermination of Semitic people against the will of We, the People beholden to the American Creed. 

The ongoing genocide challenges the very credibility of international law and the legitimacy of multilateralism. When the International Court of Justice’s warnings go unheeded, and when global bodies are paralyzed by vetoes, it falls to principled states and, crucially, to the collective conscience of humanity, to act. This is not just a Palestinian issue; it is a global moral emergency that tests the very fabric of our shared humanity.

The principle that “in injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere” resonates deeply with the American spirit of social justice and anti-war movements. It calls us to look beyond our borders and recognize our interconnectedness. Ignoring the suffering in Gaza diminishes us all and erodes the foundations of a just and peaceful world we aspire to build.

A Call to Action: Your Voice Matters

The states meeting in Bogotá need to hear from us. They need to know that citizens around the world, including those in America who value justice and peace, are watching and demanding action. This is where the email campaign becomes a powerful tool. By sending a clear, concise message to the representatives attending this crucial meeting, we can help build the confidence among states to take immediate and decisive military action to stop the genocide.

Staying active in the pursuit of justice means more than just sending an email. It means staying informed, engaging in dialogue, supporting organizations working on the ground, and advocating for foreign policy changes that prioritize human rights and de-escalation over conflict and oppression. It means embodying the spirit of freedom fighters who understand that true peace requires confronting injustice head-even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

Towards a More Just World: Ending All Wars

The crisis in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the urgent need to push for a world where conflict is not the answer. Our pursuit of justice for Palestine is intrinsically linked to the broader goal of ending all wars and fostering a global environment of peace and cooperation. This requires a fundamental shift in foreign policy, moving away from interventionism and towards diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and the upholding of international law.

The Bogotá meeting is a stepping stone towards this larger vision. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that collective action, driven by moral conviction, can challenge even the most entrenched injustices. Let us seize this moment to amplify our voices, demand accountability, and work towards a future where the horrors of Gaza are never repeated, and where injustice anywhere is met with a resounding commitment to justice everywhere.

Your “Need to Know” and “Take-away” points:

Need to Know:

  • An emergency ministerial meeting is taking place in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 15-16, 2025, with over 30 states attending.
  • The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emergency action to stop Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
  • The situation in Gaza involves indiscriminate bombing, mass displacement, starvation, and the systematic targeting of infrastructure, with reports of concentration camps being built.
  • Existing diplomatic efforts and sanctions have been insufficient to halt the atrocities.
  • Military intervention is increasingly seen as the only realistic way to prevent the imminent extermination of the Palestinian population.
  • Such intervention would aim to break the siege, facilitate humanitarian aid, enforce a no-fly zone, disarm military infrastructure, and ensure compliance with international law.

Take-aways:

  • The Bogotá meeting is a pivotal opportunity for states to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.
  • While BDS is a vital tool, the scale of the crisis necessitates more immediate protective measures like humanitarian military intervention.
  • The events in Gaza challenge the credibility of international law and multilateralism.
  • As citizens invested in American ideals of justice, freedom, and human rights, we have a moral obligation to advocate for foreign policies that align with our values.
  • The principle “injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere” resonates with the American spirit of social justice and anti-war movements.
  • Active participation is demanded from citizens to advocate for policies that align with our deepest values.

Nader Op-Ed: Gaza Death Toll Vastly Undercounted, Media Complicit

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In his February 21, 2025, op-ed, Ralph Nader argues that the reported death toll in Gaza is a vast undercount due to media’s “lazy indifference” and various parties’ interests in keeping the numbers low. He contends that all media outlets, including corporate, public, and independent, rely on the Hamas Ministry of Health (MOH) figures, which he states are outdated because hospitals and mortuaries are no longer operating to provide current data.

Nader highlights that the official Hamas count is over 48,000, but American doctors returning from Gaza nearly a year prior estimated a minimum of 95,000 deaths, excluding those buried under rubble. He suggests that Hamas benefits from a lower count to mitigate internal rage and external criticism, while Israel and the US administration benefit from it to dampen international backlash, boycotts, and demands for sanctions or ICC prosecutions.

He cites Karen DeYoung of the Washington Post acknowledging that MOH figures are used, but that casualty counts are “most certainly underreported.” Nader also mentions a Lancet report suggesting the actual number could be four times higher. He criticizes the Biden State Department for refusing to release its higher death estimates.

Nader points to projections from experts like Professor Devi Sridhar, who in late 2023, estimated half a million Palestinian deaths in 2024 if the destruction continued, but notes that these experts often don’t provide a precise “number.” He contrasts this with media’s willingness to estimate deaths in other conflicts (Syria, Sudan, Ukraine). He also mentions Gazan undertakers reporting burying 17,000 bodies by February 2024.

Nader asserts that the US is complicit in the violence, citing massive weapons supplies and UN vetoes that enable Israel to block reporters and silence dissenting soldiers. He references a soldier who compared their actions in Gaza to those of Nazis. He criticizes certain columnists who deny Israel targets civilians, and mentions historical statements from Israeli officials that he deems racist.

Based on “historical, empirical, and clinical records,” Nader estimates that 300,000 Palestinians had been killed by August 2024, and over 400,000 by the time of his article’s publication. He emphasizes that this number is far greater than combined deaths in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Dresden, and stresses the moral and political importance of accurately estimating civilian casualties.

Finally, Nader includes a list compiled by international law practitioner Bruce Fein, outlining ten alleged violations of international criminal humanitarian law by Israel in Gaza, including genocide, crimes against humanity, targeting civilians, impeding humanitarian aid, and forcible relocation.

Appropriate Insights and Takeaways:

  • Challenging Official Narratives: The op-ed strongly challenges the commonly cited casualty figures in the Gaza conflict, suggesting they are a significant undercount. It encourages readers to question official statistics and consider alternative estimates.
  • Motivations for Undercounting: Nader posits that various entities—Hamas, Israel, and the US administration—have political motivations to keep the reported death toll low, highlighting a convergence of interests despite their differing roles in the conflict.
  • Media Scrutiny: The article critiques media for its reliance on what Nader deems unreliable data, urging greater scrutiny and independent investigation into casualty figures.
  • Severity of the Crisis: By presenting significantly higher death toll estimates and comparing them to historical tragedies, Nader emphasizes the extreme scale and human cost of the conflict, aiming to convey its genocidal nature.
  • International Law Violations: The inclusion of Bruce Fein’s list serves to frame the conflict within the context of international criminal and humanitarian law, accusing Israel of multiple grave violations.
  • US Complicity: Nader directly implicates the US in the ongoing conflict through its military aid and diplomatic support, presenting it as a “co-belligerent.”
  • Moral Imperative for Accuracy: The piece underscores the moral importance of accurately reporting casualties, arguing that a truer toll is essential for mobilizing political, diplomatic, and civic resistance.

Read Ralph Nader’s Full Op-Ed HERE.

Gaza’s Unseen Catastrophe: A Harvard-Backed Report Uncovers a Staggering Discrepancy

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A new report, hosted by Harvard Dataverse and based on Israeli military data, is shedding a chilling light on the true human cost of the conflict in Gaza. Far from the widely reported casualty figures, this analysis reveals a horrifying demographic gap: 377,000 people are simply “missing” from Gaza’s population. This isn’t a statistical anomaly; it’s a “military-defined disappearance,” with profound implications for how we understand the crisis and America’s role in it.

Need to Know: The Grim Arithmetic

The core revelation comes from a comparison of Gaza’s pre-conflict population (2.227 million) with the Israeli military’s own estimates for populations within militarily approved “enclaves.” These enclaves—Gaza City (1 million), Mawasi (0.5 million), and Central Gaza (0.35 million)—total 1.85 million. The difference? A staggering 377,000 people.

Crucially, the areas excluded from these counted populations are Northern Gaza and eastern Rafah – precisely the regions that have borne the brunt of bombing, siege, and displacement. This strongly suggests that the “missing” are civilians in these erased zones, families in flattened areas, and entire communities cut off by blackouts and sieges. These aren’t just numbers; they are lives.

Beyond the Numbers: A Strategic Disappearance

The report, authored by Yaakov Garb of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, goes further, exposing the architecture of the new Israeli/American/GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) “aid distribution” compounds in Gaza. Far from being neutral humanitarian efforts, these facilities are strategically placed and designed to align with Israeli military strategies, making them inaccessible to much of the population, particularly the million residents of Gaza City cut off by the Netzarim corridor.

The report highlights several grave violations of international humanitarian law (IHL):

  • Rejection of Neutrality: Aid is distributed from fortified compounds by private American security companies staffed with combat veterans, under Israeli army protection. This obliterates the core principles of neutrality and independence essential for genuine humanitarian aid.
  • Endangerment of Civilians: These compounds are located within Israeli-declared “buffer zones” where civilian entry is formally barred and liable to attack. Palestinians are forced to risk their lives in prohibited military zones to receive aid.
  • A Blueprint for Violence: The internal design of these compounds features a “fatal funnel” layout – a single entry/exit path with no cover, designed for surveillance and control, not care. This design, devoid of basic amenities, is noted to induce panic and chaos, potentially justifying violent responses. This system, as the report concludes, is the “inverse of well-accepted and tested principles of food distribution.” It’s a “legal and moral charade, using the spectre of aid to advance tactical goals.”

Key Takeaways:

  • The true death toll in Gaza is likely far higher than officially reported. The 377,000 “missing” represent a demographic catastrophe beyond direct casualties, potentially encompassing deaths from starvation, disease, or those buried under rubble and dismembered.
  • Humanitarian aid is being weaponized and politicized. The design and placement of “aid” compounds serve military objectives, not genuine relief, and violate international law.
  • The narrative of the conflict is being manipulated. By excluding vast swathes of the population from official counts and controlling aid distribution, a false picture of the humanitarian situation is presented.

Implications for American Culture and Its War Against Terrorism:

This report strikes at the heart of American cultural values and its long-standing narrative in the “war on terror.” The United States often positions itself as a global leader in humanitarian efforts and a champion of human rights. However, its deep involvement in supporting Israel, coupled with the revelations of this report, poses significant challenges to this self-perception:

  • Erosion of Moral Authority: If aid efforts are perceived as instruments of military control rather than genuine compassion, America’s moral authority on the global stage is severely undermined. This makes it harder to advocate for human rights elsewhere and to distinguish between legitimate counter-terrorism operations and actions that harm civilian populations.
  • Complicity in a “Strategic Disappearance”: The report’s explicit mention of “Israeli/American/GHF aid distribution compounds” implicates the U.S. in a system that is, at best, deeply flawed, and at worst, complicit in the “strategic disappearance” of a population. This raises uncomfortable questions about the extent of American knowledge and endorsement of these practices.
  • Challenge to the “War on Terror” Framework: The report suggests that the conflict in Gaza is not simply a war against terrorism, but an occupation employing tactics that decimate a civilian population and control their existence through aid. This redefines the nature of the conflict and forces a re-evaluation of the efficacy and morality of current approaches to counter-terrorism.
  • Domestic Disillusionment: For many Americans, particularly younger generations, the perceived disconnect between stated American values and its foreign policy actions in the Middle East is growing. This can lead to increased cynicism towards government, a decline in trust in mainstream media, and a deepening of internal divisions.

America’s Role in the Gaza Genocide:

While the report itself doesn’t explicitly use the term “genocide,” the “grim arithmetic” and the description of a “demographic horror story” where 377,000 people are unaccounted for, combined with the systematic control of aid and the creation of conditions that induce panic and potential harm, lend significant weight to such claims. America’s role, as illuminated by this report, is multifaceted:

  • Financial and Military Support: The U.S. is Israel’s primary military and financial backer, providing the weapons and resources that enable its operations in Gaza. This makes the U.S. an indispensable partner in the ongoing conflict.
  • Joint Aid Operations: The report explicitly mentions “Israeli/American/GHF aid distribution compounds,” indicating direct U.S. involvement in the very system that is described as a “legal and moral charade.” This moves beyond mere support to active participation in a deeply problematic aid framework.
  • Diplomatic Shield: The U.S. has consistently used its diplomatic power, particularly at the UN Security Council, to shield Israel from international condemnation and accountability, effectively enabling the continuation of its actions.
  • Information Control: The U.S. media landscape often echoes official narratives, potentially contributing to the public’s lack of awareness about the true scale of the crisis, including the “missing” population.

The Harvard-hosted report serves as a stark warning. It compels us to look beyond official narratives and confront the grim reality of a conflict where hundreds of thousands of lives have seemingly vanished from official records. For American culture, it demands an urgent re-evaluation of its values, its role in the Middle East, and the very nature of its “war against terrorism.” The question of “Where are the missing 377,000 Palestinians?” is not just a humanitarian plea; it is a direct challenge to the conscience of the world, and particularly, to the conscience of America.

Scientists Silenced? The NIH, Israel, and Free Speech Concerns

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Recent developments have sparked a heated debate about free speech, scientific research, and international politics. A new policy from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has raised concerns about censorship, specifically regarding protests and political expression related to Israel. Let’s dive into what this means and why it matters.

Need to Know:

  • NIH Policy: The NIH has introduced a policy that imposes potential civil and criminal penalties on researchers who engage in certain nonviolent protests or political expression regarding human rights conditions in Israel.
  • Anti-BDS Rules: This policy is seen as an expansion of “anti-BDS” (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) rules, which restrict Americans from boycotting or discussing divestment from Israel-related businesses.
  • Scope: The policy affects over 300,000 scientists working in American labs and universities who receive NIH funding.
  • State Laws: Thirty-eight states have anti-BDS laws or executive orders that punish businesses that sever ties with Israeli companies as a form of political protest.
  • The Supreme Court affirmed the right to boycott as a form of political expression protected by the First Amendment in 1982.

Key Takeaways:

  • Speech Restrictions: The new NIH policy significantly restricts the ability of scientists to engage in political expression related to Israel.
  • Legal Challenges: Anti-BDS laws have faced legal challenges, with some courts ruling them a violation of free speech, while others have upheld them.
  • International Context: The controversy is intertwined with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader debate about human rights in the Palestinian territories.

Implications for American Culture and Society:

  • Free Speech Debate: This situation reignites the ongoing debate about the limits of free speech, especially when it intersects with international politics.
  • Academic Freedom: The policy raises concerns about academic freedom and the ability of scientists to express their political views without fear of reprisal.
  • Political Polarization: The issue is likely to further polarize American society, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
  • Impact on Research: Restrictions on political expression could potentially stifle research and collaboration, particularly in areas related to international relations and human rights.

Summary of BDS Boycotts:

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is a  pro-Palestinian campaign that calls for economic pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and comply with international law. The movement encourages:

  • Boycotts: Consumers and businesses refusing to purchase Israeli goods and services.
  • Divestment: Companies and institutions withdrawing investments from Israeli companies or those doing business with Israeli settlements.
  • Sanctions: Governments imposing economic sanctions on Israel.

The BDS movement argues that these actions are a form of nonviolent protest against Israeli policies. Opponents argue that the movement is antisemitic and seeks to delegitimize Israel’s existence.

Argument Against Censorship of American Scientists:

Censoring American scientists’ political expression regarding Israel is a dangerous precedent. Here’s why:

  • First Amendment Rights: The right to boycott and engage in political speech is protected by the First Amendment. Restricting this right, especially for scientists engaged in research, undermines fundamental American values.
  • Academic Freedom: Scientific inquiry thrives on open discussion and the free exchange of ideas. Limiting scientists’ ability to express their views on political issues related to their research can stifle innovation and critical thinking.
  • Potential for Bias: Government policies that restrict speech on specific political issues can create an environment of bias and fear, where scientists may self-censor to avoid potential penalties.
  • Global Perspective: Scientists often collaborate internationally and engage with global issues. Restricting their ability to discuss these issues can hinder international cooperation and understanding.

While the issues surrounding Israel and the BDS movement are divisive, it is crucial to protect the free speech rights of American scientists. Censorship undermines academic freedom, stifles debate, and sets a dangerous precedent for restricting political expression.

UN Report: Systemic Gender-Based Violence by Israel Against Palestinians

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A recent report issued by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinians. The report, released on March 13, 2025, alleges that Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination.

Need to Know:

  • The UN report documents a range of violations against Palestinian women, men, girls, and boys since October 7, 2023.
  • The Commission’s findings suggest that sexual and gender-based violence is being used as a strategy of war by Israel.
  • Specific acts of violence reported include forced public stripping, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence to genitals.
  • The report also highlights the destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza and the denial of humanitarian assistance, which has led to deaths from pregnancy complications.
  • The Commission found that these acts amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even genocidal acts.
  • The report emphasizes a climate of impunity regarding these crimes and calls for accountability through the International Criminal Court and national courts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The findings in the UN report are extremely serious and warrant further investigation.
  • The report highlights the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
  • The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the denial of essential medical supplies have severe consequences for reproductive health and overall well-being.
  • Accountability for alleged human rights violations is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims.

Implications for America and American Culture:

The findings in this report can have several implications for America and American culture, particularly regarding its role in the Israel-Gaza conflict:

  • Public Opinion and Political Discourse: The report’s findings may influence public opinion in the United States regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. It could fuel debates about the level of support and aid provided to Israel and raise questions about accountability for human rights violations.
  • Activism and Advocacy: Human rights organizations and activist groups in the U.S. may use the report to advocate for policy changes, such as conditioning aid to Israel on human rights improvements or supporting investigations by international bodies.
  • Cultural Narratives: The report could challenge existing narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within American culture, prompting discussions and re-evaluations of historical and political contexts.
  • Role in International Relations: As a major global power with a close relationship with Israel, the U.S. may face increased pressure to address the allegations in the report and take action to promote accountability and human rights.
  • Domestic Polarization: The Israeli genocide of Palestinians is a highly polarizing issue in the U.S., and the report’s findings could further exacerbate divisions and intensify political debates.

Although the report’s allegations are contested, thanks to Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) posting their war crimes and crimes against humanity on social media and independent journalism the world continues to bear witness to these atrocities. The seriousness of the  UN report warrants attention, accountability and discussion, both within the international community and within the United States.

The Commission’s detailed report can be found here. The Commission’s findings on sexual and gender-based violence committed by the military wing of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023 can be found here.

Background: The UN Human Rights Council mandated the Commission on 27 May 2021 to “investigate, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021.” Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-30/1 further requested the Commission of inquiry to “investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity.” The Commission of Inquiry was mandated to report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly annually commencing from June 2022 and September 2022, respectively.

More information on the work of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, can be found here.

For more information and media requests, please contact: Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, at todd.pitman@un.org, Cell: +41 76 691 1761, or Pascal Sim, Human Rights Council Media Officer, at simp@un.org.

ICC Investigating Biden Administration for Aiding Israeli War Crimes

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ICC Legal Action Against Biden: US Support for Israel Under Scrutiny

A US-based human rights group, Democracy for the Arab World Now (Dawn), has taken the unprecedented step of formally submitting a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against President Joe Biden and other former US officials. The charges include complicity in Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Need to Know:

  • Dawn, founded by the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is a human rights group that advocates for democracy and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • The ICC is an international court that prosecutes individuals for the most serious crimes of international concern, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
  • The US and Israel are not signatories to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
  • Dawn alleges that Biden, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and other US officials are complicit in Israeli war crimes due to their continued support of Israel despite knowledge of its actions in Gaza.
  • The submission to the ICC argues that the actions of these US officials meet the legal standard for aiding and abetting under Article 25 of the ICC’s Rome Statute.

Takeaways:

  • The legal action taken by Dawn is significant because it challenges the US government’s support of Israel and its actions in Gaza.
  • The allegations made by Dawn raise serious questions about the legality of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
  • The ICC’s decision on whether to investigate the allegations could have major implications for US-Israel relations.
  • The move highlights the increasing scrutiny of US human rights practices and its foreign policy decisions.

Implications:

  • American Culture: This case could further divide public opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US’s role in it. It may also lead to increased awareness and discussion about international law and human rights.
  • American Society: The “Abandon Biden” movement shows that there is growing discontent with the president’s foreign policy, particularly among those who are critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This discontent could lead to further protests and activism.
  • American Foreign Policy: If the ICC decides to investigate the allegations against Biden and other US officials, it could have serious implications for US foreign policy. The US may be forced to reconsider its relationship with Israel and its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It could also strain relationships with other countries and international organizations.

Brief Background for ICC Legal Action:

The ICC is a permanent international criminal court with the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It is based in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC was established by the Rome Statute, which was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2002. The US is not a member of the ICC.

The legal action brought by Dawn is based on the principle of “complicity,” which means that even if a person does not directly commit a crime, they can still be held liable if they aid, abet, or otherwise assist in the commission of that crime. Dawn argues that by continuing to provide military and financial aid to Israel despite knowledge of its actions in Gaza, Biden and other US officials are complicit in Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Watch Democracy NOW! report on YouTube, “Biden, Blinken & Austin Accused of Complicity in Israel’s Gaza War Crimes; ICC Urged to Investigate,” HERE. 

US Military Aid to Israel Soars Amidst Ongoing Genocide in Palestine

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Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals a dramatic increase in US military aid to Israel. This surge in support of Israel’s brutal genocide of the Palestinian people has significant implications for both American domestic policies and the American people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US supplied 69% of Israel’s arms between 2019 and 2023, increasing to 78% amidst escalating conflict.
  • By August 2024, the US had delivered 50,000 tons of weapons worth billions of dollars to Israel.
  • This aid has been transported via hundreds of planes and ships, highlighting the massive logistical effort involved.

Need to Know:

  • The ongoing genocide being carried out by Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement of civilians in Palestine and neighboring countries.
  • US military aid to Israel plays a crucial role in sustaining Israel’s military capabilities.
  • This aid has been a contentious issue in American politics, with some arguing that it is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and others maintaining that it is essential for Israel’s security.
  • Since Oct. 7, 2023, the Palestinian death toll has risen above 45,000 — mostly civilians, including children and journalists — however officials say that number is much higher.

Implications for American Domestic Policies and the American People:

  • Increased Military Spending: The substantial military aid to Israel contributes to increased US military spending, and diverting funds from other domestic priorities.
  • Foreign Policy Priorities: The focus on military aid to Israel shapes US foreign policy in the Middle East, and impacting relationships with other countries in the region.
  • Moral and Ethical Considerations: The human cost of the genocide and the US role in supporting it raises moral and ethical questions for the American people.
  • Economic Impact: The billions of dollars spent on military aid could have alternative uses in the US economy, such as infrastructure, education, or healthcare.

Another $8 Billion for Israel: 

The United States has recently informed Congress of another $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. This comes as Israel continues its genocide in Gaza. This significant sale raises questions about America’s role in the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, the impact on regional stability, and the ethical implications of supplying weapons to a nation engaged in active genocide. While the specific details of the weapons included in the sale are not always immediately public, it’s likely that this package will include a range of military equipment. These could include:

  • Precision-guided missiles
  • Ammunition
  • Defense systems
  • Military aircraft or parts

    The escalating US military aid to Israel highlights the complex and contentious nature of US foreign policy in the Middle East. As the conflict continues, it is crucial for the American people to engage in informed discussions about the implications of this aid for both domestic and foreign policy priorities.

    The US provides substantial military aid to Israel compared to other countries. According to the Security Assistance Monitor, Israel received more than half of all US foreign military financing in 2022, significantly more than any other country.

    Arguments for Providing Military Aid to Israel:

    • Israel’s Security:  Aid ensures Israel can defend itself against potential threats, maintaining regional stability.
    • Shared Democratic Values:  Supporting a democratic ally like Israel aligns with US ideals and interests.
    • Strong Military Partnership:  Israel’s military capabilities and intelligence sharing benefit US national security.

    Arguments Against Providing Military Aid to Israel:

    • Perpetuating the Conflict: Aid enables Israel’s genocidal actions in Palestine, hindering a peaceful resolution.
    • Human Rights Concerns:  Human rights violations by Israel raise ethical concerns about US support.
    • Financial Costs:  The billions spent on military aid could be allocated to domestic needs or other foreign policy priorities.
    • Strained US Relations: Unconditional support for Israel could harm US relations with other Middle Eastern countries.

    The moral and ethical considerations involved in providing military aid to Israel stem from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its human cost.

    • Alleged Human Rights Violations: Concerns arise regarding US complicity in alleged human rights abuses committed by Israel against Palestinians, including displacement, restrictions on movement, and civilian casualties during military operations.
    • Perpetuating the Conflict: Providing military aid could be seen as enabling the continuation of the conflict, hindering peaceful resolutions, and contributing to the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
    • Disproportionate Force: The power imbalance between Israel and Palestine, furthered by US military support, raises questions about the justness of the conflict and whether US aid contributes to disproportionate use of force.

    These considerations highlight the ethical dilemma faced by the US in balancing its support for Israel with its commitment to human rights and peaceful conflict resolution, as well as its domestic obligations.

    This is what Americans are paying for in the midst of rising homelessness, economic woes, and natural disasters:

    Former State Department Director Launches “A New Policy” to Restructure US Policy in Israel and Palestine

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    In a significant move, Josh Paul, a former Director at the U.S. Department of State and Senior Advisor at DAWN, has announced the launch of “A New Policy.” This non-profit organization, accompanied by a Political Action Committee (PAC), aims to reshape US policy towards Israel and Palestine.

    Paul, who resigned from the State Department a year ago, highlights the current policy’s misalignment with American interests, values, and the will of the voters. He believes the issue extends beyond policy itself, pointing to political and economic incentives that distort the decision-making process.

    A New Policy distinguishes itself through its inclusive voice and ambitious vision. Click HERE to watch his interview with Democracy Now on the new non-profit that seeks to represent all Americans who are dissatisfied with the current approach and envisions a future where political incentives align with ethical and democratic principles. The organization plans to lobby Congress and the Executive Branch, while the PAC will support candidates who share their vision. Paul emphasizes the need for structural change and sees this as a long-term endeavor, inviting public support through contributions and engagement.

    This initiative marks a notable development in the discourse surrounding US foreign policy in the Middle East, promising to bring fresh perspectives and advocacy for change.

    Josh Paul
    Former Director, U.S. Department of State.
    Senior Advisor at DAWN, (DAWN; Founded by Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, DAWN promotes democracy & human rights in the Middle East and North Africa).
    https://dawnmena.org/

    America needs A New Policy. But in the year since I resigned, and even before then, it’s been clear that what we face today is not only a policy problem – it is a political problem. The political-economic incentive structures around our elected officials and government leaders skew American politics and policymaking away from American interests, values, and the will of the American voter.

    That’s why, together with former Biden appointee Tariq Habash and an extraordinary group of leaders including incoming board members former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford and trailblazing corporate executive Jaleh Bisharat, today I’m proud to announce the launch of A New Policy.

    A New Policy is a non-profit organization, A New Policy, Inc., to lobby Congress and the Executive Branch on policy towards Israel and Palestine.  It exists alongside A New Policy PAC, a Political Action Committee that will directly support candidates for elected office who agree that it is time for change.

    What makes A New Policy different? Its voice and its vision. Its voice: A New Policy represents *all* Americans who believe that our current policies towards Israel and Palestine are unjust, irrational, out of step with American values, and out of line with the American interest. Its vision: A New Policy envisions and will relentlessly pursue a restructuring of the political-economic incentives so that American politicians can vote in line with their conscience and the desires of their electorate.

    So many of you have reached out to me over the past year to ask “what can we do? Nothing seems to be working!” A New Policy is my answer to that question, and as a Director it will be my main focus and line of effort for the foreseeable future: an enduring project to bridge communities, span partisan politics, and work for the years to come to address the entrenched structural, political, and resource obstacles within our system.

    Visit our new webpage to learn more about us and our policy positions, and consider making a contribution (one-time, or recurring) that will enable us to demonstrate to Washington the deep support for A New Policy from across these United States. Change will take time; it will take work; it will take money – but, with fierce urgency, change starts now.

    It is time for A New Policy.

    www.anewpolicy.org

    Protests Continue to Shape the American Experience and Culture

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    Anti-Israel protesters blocked major thoroughfares across the US Monday, creating traffic jams for drivers trying to reach Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and near San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge according to multiple major news outlets. It’s been reported that organizers of the protest said their goal was to send a message to Boeing, because the corporation sells weapons to Israel to be used in its war with Hamas.

    “On this Tax Day, when millions are paying taxes which fund the ongoing US and Israeli bombardment of Gaza, protestors seek to take dramatic action,” the group Chicago Dissenters wrote in an Instagram post. “O’Hare International Airport is one of the largest in the country, and there will be NO business as usual while Palestinians suffer at the hands of American funded bombing by Israel.”

     

    Protests – fiercely exercised and protected by the First Amendment – have played a significant role in shaping American culture throughout history. They have been a powerful force for social and political change, and have helped to bring about important reforms and advances. These on-going global protests aim to end the genocide and deliberate starvation efforts in Gaza that started as a was between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The groups, including many journalists, White House staffers, State Department officials and Union leaders are also calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow aid into Gaza and other impacted regions of Palestine. 

    Here are some of the ways in which protests have shaped American culture:

    • Raising awareness of social issues: Protests have helped to raise awareness of important social issues, such as civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. They have also brought attention to environmental issues, economic inequality, and other pressing concerns.
    • Mobilizing people for change: Protests can mobilize people to take action and demand change. They can create a sense of community and solidarity among protesters and build momentum for social and political movements.
    • Influencing public opinion: Protests can influence public opinion and put pressure on policymakers to address certain issues. They can also help to shift the national conversation and shape the way people think about important topics.
    • Promoting social justice: Protests have been a key factor in promoting social justice and equality in the United States. They have helped to challenge discriminatory laws and policies, and have contributed to the advancement of civil rights for all Americans.
    • Preserving democratic values: Protests are a vital part of a healthy democracy. They allow people to express their dissent and demand accountability from their government. They also help to protect democratic values such as freedom of speech and assembly.

    The Unfolding Genocide In Gaza…

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    A GENOCIDE, By Israel

    Illustrated by the U.S.

    “There was never a good war, or a bad peace.” – Benjamin Franklin

    Our eyes are not wide shut. Technology has flung open the blinds to an unimaginable cruel and unjust world. From police brutality, corrupt officials, abuses of unimaginable sorts, blatant racist injustices to the barbaric genocide being carried out against the Palestinian people by Israel. Compounding the atrocities the global community is witnessing, is America’s leading role in the callous inhumanity being exacted. And Israel, with gleeful indifference, has answered pushback with threats, insults, firings, doxing and even congressional punishment for anyone who dares to condemn the violence being carried out by the IDF. Holocaust survivors, including anti-Zionist Jews are not immune. Also, anyone against the purge of Palestinians off their lands is anti-Semitic. History is in spin cycle bringing back McCarthyism and even stoking memories of the holocaust that forced Jews from their homes in Europe to Palestine.

    “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”

    It is abundantly clear, Congress is compromised. And the road to this outcome has long been paved with AIPAC’s passionate bricklaying for Israel’s manifestation of what they say God owes them: Palestinian land. Because what Israel wants, Israel gets. Whether We, The People or the entire world agrees, or not. That is the terrifying message that is copiously clear amid this global humanitarian crisis. Folks, we are in big trouble. And if you think the revolution is going to be about a man identifying as a woman or a Border Collie, you’ve sadly been dragnetted by the tactical distractions of the culture wars that are consistently being thrown at us like red meat. Divide and conquer still works as designed. Notice how we can’t tolerate one another in this beautiful “melting pot” we call America? Notice how the rich are getting richer, the poor, poorer? Notice what’s happening at our southern borders under big brother’s watchful eyes? Notice the decaying of a promising nation yet to actualize its full potential? Everywhere one turns, another is prepared to squeeze whatever they can from them, to fill the gaping hole being dug by our elected officials’ egregious disregard of the needs of the people they’ve taken an oath to serve. It’s a dog-eat-dog world for the working class, and a numb or drugged-out existence for the poor. And we are manipulated to believe that there’s absolutely nothing we can do to turn the tides of this blatant imbalance of power and defilement of the Constitution. Democracy, please stand up. Democracy? … Democracy? Hello, is there anybody out there?

    “Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.”

    Because we’ve proven how easily fooled we are by the same old rhetoric, empty promises and propaganda, Biden and Harris—backers of the genocide—are working to secure your vote for another round of White House idiocracy, complete with the president’s wayward son, still a national liability. Completing the circus that our political arena has become, we have a batch of rotten war mongering bananas in red prepared to sell you their own brew of lies for votes and another chance at fattening their personal pockets as they serve the real ruler of the world, Israel.

    “They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.”

    Apparently, as the planet breaths and the tides turn, it regurgitates the same sea scum we blindly vote for over and over again, no matter how many times they’ve circled the oceans certifying what they are; corrupt. Even so, we keep voting repeat, hoping this time, we will have a different outcome. Einstein surmised this phenomenon as insanity. America’s political industry has perfected the art of mass manipulation, and tactical bullying of an entire population, now living under an increasing military industrial complex where most of our tax dollars go, whether we like it, or not. Our elected officials in the highest office are no longer working for We, The People. They’re working to feed the profitable war machine that has kept us engaged in battle across the globe since the birth of this nation. In America’s 247 years, apparently only 15 of them have been without a war. Imagine that.

    “Where sense is wanting, everything is wanting.”

    Land of the free, home of the brave, indeed. But who are these freemen, and where are the braves we need to stand up right now and demand an end to the genocide? As one looks across the country, they will struggle to find evidence of these free brave men calling for a ceasefire because they’re too busy writing and passing a Resolution to reaffirm their unwavering support for Israel’s war crimes and equating anti-Zionism to being anti-Semitic. On the contrary, what you will see is desperation and hopelessness, weariness and apathy, fear and confusion. And it’s by perfect design, courtesy of the people who turn glutenous elites once elected to office. If you’re wondering what’s behind the curtain, just open your eyes. You’ll clearly see another genocide revealing the great Oz who now identifies as AIPAC.

    “Even peace may be purchased at too high a price.”

    We have reached a critical juncture where We, The People can keep swimming in the fishbowl avoiding all risks and insanely voting for a repeat, or risk a chance at taking back the power that has always belonged to us. The time has come for us to truly unite within the boundaries we’ve been corralled into and compartmentalized under personalized culture wars, identity politics and nonsensical ideologies. Because as I see it, we have nothing left to lose. Let’s hold hands. Let’s trust each other. Let’s risk a different choice for peace, and end all opportunities for future genocides. Together, I believe, we can face all we fear, including our own government, for a chance at a world where all people can enjoy true freedom and equal human rights.

    “The nearest way to come at glory, is to do that for conscience which we do for glory.”