Washington D.C. – 1/15/2024 – CAIR Action, a leading national Muslim political advocacy organization, today welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza after 466 days of relentless bombardment and suffering.
CAIR Action recognizes that President-elect Trump’s diplomatic engagement achieved progress, whereas the Biden administration failed despite having the leverage to do so. Instead, more than $22 billion in military and financial aid to Israel over the past year enabled continued violence. Biden’s repeated vetoes of United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire further isolated the U.S. on the global stage.
In a statement, CAIR Action National Executive Director Basim Elkarra said:
“President Biden’s failure to act decisively earlier cost tens of thousands of lives. Moreover, the administration’s funding of this genocide with billions of dollars enabled continued bloodshed and eroded America’s standing in the world. Contrast this with President Trump’s team, where sources state it was “the first time there has been real pressure on the Israeli side to accept a deal.” (The Washington Post)
The exchange of detainees and hostages is a welcome development, but CAIR Action emphasizes that it must lead to an end to Israel’s genocidal violence in Gaza. Over the past 15 months, Israel has killed over 46,600 Gazans, displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, and destroyed vital infrastructure in violation of international law. CAIR Action urges a ceasefire that ends the blockade, ensures humanitarian aid, and guarantees displaced Palestinians’ right of return.
CAIR Action calls on the U.S. government to enforce existing laws governing arms transfers, such as the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, to hold Israeli leaders accused of war crimes accountable, and to prevent the annexation of the West Bank. Additionally, the organization also urges that all governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza be Palestinian-led and free from external interference.
CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
