Michigan state lawmakers urge Biden to ‘advance a lasting ceasefire’

More than 20 Michigan state lawmakers sent a letter to President Biden Wednesday, urging him to “advance a lasting ceasefire” between Israel and militant group Hamas. 

In the letter, the state lawmakers noted that international organizations — including the United Nations, World Health Organization, and UNICEF —, faith leaders, elected officials, and community leaders have all called for a ceasefire in the conflict, urging for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.  

The lawmakers said that the temporary cease-fire deal between the two sides is a “positive step forward.” 

“Some aid has been able to enter Gaza since October 21, but there continue to be insufficient supplies of water, food, medicine, and blood,” the letter reads. “According to the World Health Organization, 20 of Gaza’s hospitals are no longer functioning. Over 1 million residents have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis.” 

The letter also mentions that “many of the actions that have taken place” in the Gaza Strip are also prohibited by the Geneva Convention. 

The letter was signed by 25 state lawmakers, including state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D), who is the majority leader of the state’s House chamber. 

“Today, I joined 25 other Michigan House and Senate colleagues pressing President Biden for a lasting ceasefire,” Aiyash wrote in a post to X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. 

“Bombing children will not bring peace. An end to violence is the only way to legitimately address the occupation and bring lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike,”  Aiyash added. “We must advance and lasting and durable ceasefire to end the bombing and devastation in Gaza.”

The letter comes a day after Israel and Hamas agreed to implement a temporary cease-fire for four days to allow for the safe transfer of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

The militant group agreed to release 50 hostages, all women and children, currently kept by them. With the transfer of hostages, Palestinian prisoners will also be released from Israelis jail, per Hamas’s demands.