The American Coalition for Syria (ACS) calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to safeguard the lives and well-being of civilians caught in the midst of this conflict. ACS condemns all acts of violence against civilians, be they Israeli or Palestinian. Such actions flagrantly violate international law and contradict the fundamental values upheld by the United States, and ACS mourns with all families who have lost loved ones over the past two weeks. The targeting of civilians and medical infrastructure, exemplified by the bombing of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, is horrifying and in clear contravention of international law.
Amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza affecting 2.2 million people, ACS urges the Biden administration to employ its global influence and position to end the current military escalation and prioritize a political resolution over a military one.
As a proponent of accountability and democratic values, ACS urges the United States to restrain Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military operations against Hamas in Gaza – which have amounted to the collective punishment of an entire population and resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 Gazan lives as of October 17 – and refrain from providing a green light to commit potential war crimes through declarations of "rock solid and unwavering support." In times of hurt, grief, and anger, a nation’s instinctive impulse might be for revenge, but it is crucial to tame that impulse with empathy and humanity and insist on a balanced response that respects international law so that more innocent lives are not lost. ACS urges the Biden administration to lead that call and maintain pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to ensure its behavior is consistent with international humanitarian law and takes into consideration the interests of the Palestinian people.
ACS vehemently rejects any manifestations of anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiment, or anti-Arab bigotry arising from this crisis and calls on all political leaders and officials, media outlets, and individuals with high-profile platforms to monitor the language they are using and the information they are sharing to avoid perpetuating narratives that dehumanize any side or drive hatred against any community. ACS condemns any campaign of intimidation designed to stifle individuals’ speech. The constitutionally protected freedom of speech is one of America’s most cherished rights and values.
