CAIR-NJ Joins House Dems on Capitol Hill to Denounce Israel’s Gaza Ceasefire Violation
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today joined members of Congress during a press conference on Capitol Hill to condemn Israel’s violation of the so-called ceasefire agreement, which has intensified the US-backed genocide of Palestinians in Gaza as the death toll mounts.
The latest US-backed Israeli bombardment in Gaza has slaughtered at least 634 people including at least 183 children, 94 women, 34 elderly people, and another 125 men, since Israeli attacks ramped up again on March 18, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The two-month-old ceasefire also left more than 1,100 people critically injured, with more still trapped under the rubble. Prior to the attacks, Israel imposed a total blockade on humanitarian aid intended for Gaza beginning March 2, the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, which remains in effect today.
READ MORE: Israel strikes Gaza, breaking ceasefire
In a statement Tuesday during the press conference, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“I stand here today, alongside leaders of conscience, to say what should be obvious: The ongoing massacre in Gaza must end.
The United States has the power and the moral responsibility to stop this. Yet, instead of demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire, our government continues to send weapons, while shielding Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government from accountability as it commits what experts around the world have described as genocide.
Today, we call on Congress to act swiftly. End military aid to Israel. Support an immediate, lasting ceasefire, and the release of all hostages and political prisoners. Push for full accountability for the war crimes being committed against the indigenous Palestinian people. Anything less is complicity.
In these last few days of Ramadan, we pray that God restores justice and peace to the region.”
The press conference came as Israel announced plans for a full military occupation of Gaza, where Palestinian genocide deaths have now far exceeded 50,000 since October 2023. Speakers condemned the Trump administration’s continued military and diplomatic support for Israel despite documented war crimes and violations of international law.
Also Tuesday, the United Nations announced it is withdrawing 30% of its international staff from Gaza after an Israeli air strike on March 19 killed a Bulgarian UN staff member and severely wounded six other foreign workers.
Maksut was joined by U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat of New Jersey, along with Reps. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-5) Greg Casar (TX-35), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Delia Ramirez(IL-3) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), who collectively called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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