(LOS ANGELES, CA – 12/22/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed Congresswoman Katie Porter’s recent statement supporting a ceasefire in Gaza.
SEE: Rep. Katie Porter Statement on Israel-Hamas War
On Monday, Dec. 18, Rep. Porter released an official statement calling for a “lasting bilateral ceasefire” in Gaza.
In her statement, Rep. Porter said:
“I support working toward a lasting bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. That must happen between the parties engaged in conflict, and this is a war between Israel and Hamas. The role of the United States should be to identify and push for conditions where a lasting bilateral ceasefire is possible.
“A lasting peace will then require commitment to postwar economic and humanitarian aid to rebuild Gaza and negotiations toward a democratic Palestinian state with full and equal rights for its citizens.”
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We welcome Congresswoman Porter’s statement supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on the Biden Administration to engage in diplomatic efforts that prioritize delivering crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza and establishing the full rights of the Palestinian people.
“An overwhelming majority of Americans support a permanent ceasefire, and it is time for our Congress and White House to listen to the voices of the people.
“We hope this will be the first step towards a more robust response from the congresswoman and other elected officials that addresses the root cause of the violence: 75 years of Israeli apartheid and military occupation.”
Since Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza began on Oct. 7, it has destroyed entire residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, displaced over one million people, and killed over 20,000 civilians, including over 10,000 children. Human rights organizations and advocates from all over the world have stated that Israel’s cutting off of food, water, electricity, and medicine while it also indiscriminately drops bombs homes, hospitals, bakeries, schools, mosques, churches, and even refugee camps in Gaza, amounts to war crimes.
CAIR-LA urges all local and national leaders to stand for peace and justice by supporting the Ceasefire Now Resolution (HR 786).
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com