(WASHINGTON, D.C. – DECEMBER 14, 2023) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today thanked Senator Chris Van Hollen and a group of Senators for their proposed amendment aimed at instituting accountability and conditions for the utilization of U.S. aid to Israel. This significant amendment signifies a critical stride toward ensuring that aid aligns with U.S. law, international humanitarian standards and the law of armed conflict.
While acknowledging this pivotal step, CAIR urges the U.S. Senate to:
- Vote “YES” on the condition’s amendment: This amendment seeks to attach humanitarian and reporting conditions to the proposed $14 billion congressional legislative package in military aid to Gaza. Such conditions would symbolically ensure responsible aid utilization in compliance with international law.
- Vote “NO” on any additional aid package: Continued allocation of aid would perpetuate Israel’s campaign of genocidal violence in Gaza, further endangering Palestinian lives. Israel has demonstrated a disregard for Palestinian lives, killing 18,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children in Gaza in recent weeks. Many more have been killed by Israeli occupation forces and illegal settlers in the West Bank. Redirecting U.S. resources towards peaceful solutions and humanitarian efforts is imperative.
“We thank Senator Van Hollen and other advocates for their efforts in imposing conditions on aid to Israel,” stated CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw. “However, any additional aid risks further contributing to Israel’s war crimes and murder of thousands more civilians in Gaza. The immediate priority must be a ceasefire and distribution of humanitarian aid.”
CAIR strongly urges all Americans to urgently email their Senators, urging firm opposition to any form of military aid to the extremist Israeli government in light of the continuing war crimes in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank.
CAIR appeals to Muslim community members to disseminate this urgent call to action within their network, amplifying our collective voice for justice and peace in Palestine.
About the Sen. Van Hollen Conditions Amendment
Championed by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the amendment garners support from Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).
The amendment stipulates that weapons received by any country under this bill must be used in adherence to U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. It also requires cooperation with U.S.-supported humanitarian efforts, subject to a presidential waiver.
However, CAIR notes the amendment includes a waiver provision that could be granted by the President, allowing deviation from these conditions if deemed necessary for national security interests, requiring congressional notification and rationale.
Looking at past instances of aid conditions, the Biden Administration could potentially waive all conditions, similar to recent emergency authorities allowing the sale of tank shells to Israel without congressional review.
CAIR firmly believes that the most viable path forward necessitates Congress and the Biden administration actively supporting an immediate and enduring ceasefire. Emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts, CAIR calls for swift actions to halt violence and safeguard civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com