More than 400 US officials send letter to Biden, opposing administration’s Israel policy

WASHINGTON (AA) – More than 400 US officials from 40 government agencies have sent a letter to President Joe Biden, opposing his support for Israel in its war on the Gaza Strip, and demanding a cease-fire.

The letter, first reported by the New York Times, signed by political appointees and staff members from the State Department, White House, National Security Council and Justice Department, is part of a series of internal dissent channels within government agencies about the Biden administration’s approach to Israel amid soaring civilian casualties as a result of Israel’s bombing on Gaza since October 7.

The letter seeks an immediate cease-fire and urges Biden to “stop the bloodshed caused by Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza”.

“We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip,” the New York Times quoted the letter.

“The overwhelming majority of Americans support a cease-fire,” the letter said, citing a poll by Date for Progress released Oct. 18 – 19, showing 66% of Americans, including 80% of Democrats, as saying the US should pressure Israel to impose a cease-fire.

“Furthermore, Americans do not want the U.S. military to be drawn into another costly and senseless war in the Middle East,” it said.