AJP Action Welcomes Ceasefire Announcement, Urges Our Fellow Americans To Continue Advocating For Palestine [WASHINGTON D.C., January 15, 2025] – Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) welcomes today’s long-overdue announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza. After 465 days of unrelenting genocide, Palestinians have secured a vital moment of reprieve with the announcement of a three-phase ceasefire, the first phase offering 42 days of relative peace. This outcome is a testament to the unyielding resilience of the Palestinian people, who have endured the Biden-backed Israeli campaign of genocide that began on October 7, 2023. Gaza, the most dangerous place on earth for children, with over 90% of its population forcibly displaced, more than an estimated 186,000 killed, nearly 110,000 injured, and more than 11,000 still missing, stands as a haunting testament to the atrocities committed. Even under these dire circumstances, Palestinians have shown extraordinary fortitude. The most profound lesson from all that has transpired is this: oppression and crimes committed by an occupier cannot extinguish the will of the oppressed to live with freedom and dignity. A ceasefire, however, will not undo the devastation wrought by Israel, made possible by the unyielding financial and political backing of President Biden and the United States. A return to the pre-2023 status quo of occupation and apartheid is NOT an option. Temporary pauses of genocide are not enough; this moment demands the dismantling of the entrenched systems of oppression that have dictated Palestinian lives for generations. Justice calls for the unconditional right of return for every displaced Palestinian, granting them the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity, security, and freedom. It also necessitates accountability—Israeli and American officials complicit in these atrocities must face credible international mechanisms. Without dismantling apartheid and ending the occupation, peace remains an illusion.  This moment underscores the critical role we, as Americans, have played in pressuring the administration and Congress for this moment. By amplifying the voices of Palestinians and demanding an end to the genocidal war funded and supported by our government, we made it clear: “We, Americans, do NOT consent to our tax dollars funding genocide.” This ceasefire agreement is also a reflection of the American public not approving of this genocide. A recent national poll from YouGov and IMEU Policy found that 29% of voters who supported President Biden in 2020 and did not support Kamala Harris in 2024 identified “ending Israel’s violence in Gaza” as the top issue affecting their vote, ranking higher than the economy, health care, immigration, and even abortion policy. These results, also indicated by a poll we conducted with YouGov prior to the elections in May 2024, reflect a growing awareness and demand among Americans for a foreign policy rooted in justice, accountability, and human rights.
The fight for justice in Gaza and for Palestinians everywhere is far from over. The Israeli occupation persists, and the United States’ complicity in sustaining it continues. We must stay engaged—write to your members of Congress, attend protests, amplify the truth on social media, and get involved in politics to continue your advocacy. Despair is not an option. To backslide or remain silent in the face of injustice is to be complicit in it. This moment calls for renewed determination, not complacency. Let us honor this moment by deepening our commitment to the fight for a free Palestine. Ending the occupation is the only path to a just and lasting resolution. We urge incoming President Donald Trump to build on this ceasefire and ensure that Palestinian rights are prioritized. Most importantly, Gaza’s future—and that of all occupied Palestine—must be determined by Palestinians themselves. The path forward is clear: liberation, accountability, and justice for all Palestinians. |
