Israel-Hamas Conflict: 5 Actions Washington Should Prioritize Now

Overview:

This article by Patrick Gaspard and Allison McManus at the Center for American Progress discusses the Israel-Hamas conflict and outlines five actions that Washington should prioritize in response to the situation. The article emphasizes the United States' obligation to support Israel's defense, while also advocating for a balanced approach that considers the humanitarian impact on Palestinians​

Key Points:

1. The article calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to address the catastrophic consequences for Palestinians in Gaza and to develop a long-term strategy to combat Hamas.
2. It highlights the need for the United States to support Israel’s defense needs, particularly in light of Hamas' terror attack on Israeli civilians.

Key Quotes:

1. "The United States has an unshakeable obligation to Israel. But being tethered to Israel is not the same as granting absolute proxy to a discredited Netanyahu to conduct wide-scale warfare."
2. "The United States must support Israel’s efforts to defend its citizens against these attacks by providing critical funding to maintain the country’s Iron Dome system and deliver other defense assets."

What They Discuss:

• The need for a negotiated ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid and a clearer long-term strategy.
• Support for Israel's defense needs while ensuring that U.S. assistance does not contribute to collective punishment against Palestinians.
• The importance of protecting humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and funding long-term efforts to rebuild the region.
• The necessity for compliance with U.S. policies on civilian protection and human rights in the use of American weapons.
• The role of U.S. diplomacy in advancing a political solution and the need for new leadership in Israel and Palestine.

What They Recommend:

• Urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate the situation in Gaza.
• Supporting Israel's defense needs while making clear that collective punishment against Palestinians is counterproductive.
• Protecting and funding robust humanitarian assistance programs for Gaza.
• Ensuring that arms transfers to Israel adhere to U.S. laws and policies on civilian protection and human rights.
• Centering U.S. diplomacy to advance a political solution that can deliver lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

Key Takeaways:

• The article underscores the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the need for a balanced U.S. response.
• It highlights the importance of addressing both the defense needs of Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• The recommendations focus on diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and a strategic approach to military support.

This is a brief overview of the article from the Center for American Progress. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.