Twenty-seven days into Israel’s brutal bombing campaign, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) became the first member of the US Senate to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Asked in an interview on CNN whether it’s time to call for a ceasefire, Durbin replied, “I think it is.”
“At least in the context of both sides agreeing. For example, the release of those kidnapped should be part of this — immediate release. That should be the beginning of it,” he said. “An effort should be made to engage in conversation between the Israelis and Palestinians.”
Durbin is the Senate majority whip, making him the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber. His call for a ceasefire breaks from the Biden administration, which has only called for a vague “pause.”
The State Department has told its diplomats to avoid using the terms “ceasefire” and “de-escalation” when discussing the conflict. President Biden was asked by a protester on Wednesday why he hasn’t called for a ceasefire, and said he only supports a “pause” to “get the prisoners out.”
When asked about Biden’s refusal to use the term ceasefire, Durbin reiterated his position. “Well, I believe that what I said earlier about ceasefire is there are circumstances — for example, the release of those who have been kidnapped as part of it — an indication that this is a good-faith effort on the part of the other side,” he said.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll since Israel unleashed its bombing campaign after the October 7 Hamas attack has surpassed 9,000. The total includes 3,760 children.
Source: AntiWar.
