Washington, D.C. — The horrifying terror attack by Hamas against civilians in Israel has provoked an understandable response to bring the perpetrators to justice. Center for American Progress President and CEO Patrick Gaspard argues in a new column that collective punishment against innocent Gazans can bring a loss of moral clarity and reinforce historic grievances.
President Joe Biden is right to affirm U.S. support for Israel as it responds to these atrocities, but the United States must ground that support in the principles of justice and on the scales of human dignity, says Gaspard, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to South Africa.
As Israeli security forces prepare for an overwhelming incursion into Gaza, U.S. leaders must insist on compliance with international law. They must also more forthrightly address the underlying issues that have led to repeated cycles of violence. While defeating Hamas is critical for the security of Israel, Gaspard argues that mission should not obscure the need for active U.S. leadership on the issue of Palestinian rights.
Read the column: “Response to Horrific Attacks in Israel Must Avoid Collective Punishment for Gaza and Confront Obstacles to Peace” by Patrick Gaspard
For more information, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected]