CGRS Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) urges the Biden administration to facilitate an immediate ceasefire to halt the Israeli government’s deadly siege on Gaza, which has resulted in over 9,200 deaths and counting. Human rights experts have called these atrocities “a textbook case of genocide.” We deplore the brutal October 7 attack by Hamas that claimed the lives of Israeli civilians and led to the kidnapping of over 200 hostages, including many children. But while justice for the victims of these heinous acts is necessary, collective punishment against another civilian population is never justified. We demand the protection of all civilians in Palestine and Israel, in accordance with international law and basic principles of humanity. This means a cessation of all attacks against civilians, the release of all civilian hostages, and an immediate ceasefire.

The Israeli government’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip has resulted in the forced displacement of more than 1.4 million Palestinians, 70 percent of whom are already refugees and nearly half of whom are children. This week the Israeli military repeatedly bombed the Jabalya refugee camp, one of the most densely populated parts of Gaza. For those seeking to flee, there is no way out.

At CGRS we advocate for governments to welcome refugees fleeing persecution, and to never punish people for seeking safety and freedom. Ultimately, however, we envision a world where every person can live free from violence and repression, where all families can thrive in the communities they call home, and where no one is removed or forced to flee from their homeland in the first place.

This current wave of violence occurs against the backdrop of policies that have dispossessed, confined, and subjugated Palestinians for generations. True and lasting peace and security will require a dismantling of these policies and practices of repression. The United States should lead efforts to reach a just solution that ensures full recognition of the rights and humanity of Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we have been alarmed by the escalation in antisemitic, Islamophobic, and xenophobic rhetoric and violence globally. We have already seen U.S. politicians weaponize the situation in Gaza to stoke hate and promote anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policies. We call on our leaders to reject such proposals, which make all of our communities less safe. We are dismayed also that the Biden administration has sought billions in funds to back Israel’s siege on Gaza directly alongside funds to escalate draconian immigration enforcement measures along the U.S.-Mexico border.

We urge our elected officials to instead put humanity first and do everything in their power to stop the bloodshed.