Americans for Peace Now (APN) is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. We are pained by the carnage and suffering of innocent civilians. We urge both sides to stop the fighting and reach an immediate ceasefire.
While Israel has a right to defend itself and proactively fight terrorism, the timing of Israel's choice to initiate an arrest campaign in the West Bank followed by a bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip has predictably led to a renewed cycle of violence and the tragic death of Palestinian civilians. Israel's blockade restrictions on the Gaza Strip are hindering the ability of local hospitals to provide vital health services. In Israel, millions of Israeli citizens are spending sleepless nights in bomb shelters.