Senate Democrats, one Republican call for Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire

The Biden administration has yet to explicitly call for a cease-fire in Israel and the Palestinian territories, resulting in criticism from his own party.

Al-Monitor Staff
Al-Monitor Staff
May 17, 2021
Israeli soldiers fire a 155 mm self-propelled Howitzer toward targets in the Gaza Strip from their position near the southern Israeli city of Sderot on May 12, 2021. Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz vowed more attacks on Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza to bring "total, long-term quiet" before considering a cease-fire.
Israeli soldiers fire a 155 mm self-propelled Howitzer toward targets in the Gaza Strip from their position near the southern Israeli city of Sderot on May 12, 2021. Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz vowed more attacks on Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza to bring "total, long-term quiet" before considering a cease-fire. — MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

Two groups of US senators called for a cease-fire in Israel and the Palestinian territories on Sunday.

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia led a group of 29 Democratic senators in calling for an “immediate cease-fire.”

“To prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories, we urge an immediate cease-fire,” the lawmakers said in a statement.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana also called for a cease-fire, though they likewise expressed support for Israel’s right to strike the Palestinian military and political organization Hamas.

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