AFT Leaders Urge Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Crisis

Concerns Mount Over Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

WASHINGTON—In light of escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza, leaders from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have expressed deep apprehension about the situation. AFT President Randi Weingarten, along with Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, released a joint statement addressing the crisis.

The statement highlighted significant worries regarding the use of food as a potential tool for political leverage by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We are gravely concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing war there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems intent on using food as a weapon to further his own political needs. Using food as a weapon is both immoral and illegal under any measure of international law," they stated.

Aligning with numerous Israeli human and civil rights organizations, the AFT officials called for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent release of hostages held by Hamas. They referenced the demands of these groups, emphasizing that "simultaneously, Israel must immediately stop its attacks, cease its policy of starvation, open the crossings for entry of aid to Gaza, and allow aid organizations in the Strip to carry out their work."

The AFT leaders also urged U.S. leadership, including President Trump and Congress, to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza. The statement emphasized the necessity for Israel to facilitate access to essential resources, underscoring that "food must never be used as a weapon against innocent civilian populations. This war must end now. A political and peaceful resolution urgently must be found for both Israelis and Palestinians."

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The American Federation of Teachers represents a diverse group of 1.8 million individuals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, higher education faculty, government employees, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.