A collective of over 40 White House interns, representing diverse backgrounds, have issued a forceful call to President Joe Biden, urging him to demand a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
This demand, detailed in a letter obtained by NBC News, criticizes President Biden for his continued support of Israel and for not heeding the American public's call for an end to the war.
The conflict escalated dramatically after the Palestinian political party Hamas' armed wing led a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths.
Israel responded with its most intensive airstrikes on Gaza. The conflict has led to the deaths of over 15,890 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, as per reports from the Associated Press citing the Health Ministry in Gaza.
Despite widespread calls for a ceasefire, President Biden has consistently rejected these appeals, choosing instead to continue U.S. support for Israel. This includes requests for further military aid amid renewed attacks against Hamas following the cessation of a recent seven-day ceasefire.
The White House's collective voice
In their letter, the interns express their collective voice, stating, "We are Palestinian, Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian, Black, Asian, Latine, White, and Queer.
We heed the voices of the American people and call on the Administration to demand a permanent ceasefire." They express their disappointment in the Biden administration's response, highlighting the impact of the Israeli government's ongoing violence, including incidents targeting Muslims and Arabs within the United States.
The interns emphasize the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, including Palestinian political prisoners, and a diplomatic solution that respects international law for a free Palestine.
This call from the White House interns aligns with the sentiments of a significant portion of the Democratic Party and the American public. A recent Data for Progress poll reveals that 61% of likely voters, including 76% of Democrats, support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Moreover, this stance could have implications for President Biden's potential voter base in the upcoming 2024 elections, with some Muslim leaders in critical swing states launching the #AbandonBiden campaign in response to his handling of the conflict.
