There must be a ceasefire in Gaza

We read statements today by Craig Mokihiber, former director of the New York Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right: “Four hour pauses between massacres are not ‘humanitarian.’ They are merely managed ethnic cleansing. Saying to caged victims, ‘go ahead, I’ll give you a head start is a cruel and cynical charade for which the perpetrator must be held to account.”

The wrongs of Oct. 7 need to be held to account. The current war on Gaza does not do this. The wrongs of the current war on Gaza need to end with an immediate ceasefire.

We insist on a full ceasefire, and talks to facilitate the safe release of captives/hostages.

We urge readers to examine the idea for a just, long-term settlement of dispute for territory (Israel/Palestine) put forth by Dr. Omer Bartov, Brown Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies. He and his group have proposed a confederation of two states of Israel and Palestine. It is compelling and possible resolution given the political will. Prof. Bartov elucidates his ideas on today’s episode of “Democracy Now” (Nov. 10). We urge you to view this, available on line.

We have read that 66% of American voters want a cease fire in the region. We have read that 80% of registered Democrats support a ceasefire. We also read that currently 19 of 535 members of Congress support a ceasefire, which is 3.5% , if my math is correct. This glaring disconnect between voter will and government policy needs to be reflected on by legislators. Thank you.

Ed Ferreira

New Sharon