14 Democratic Senators call for 'short-term cessation of hostilities' in Gaza

WASHINGTON

Fourteen Democratic senators released a statement late Thursday, urging a short-term "cessation of hostilities" in Gaza.

“The failure to adequately protect non-combatant civilians risks dramatic escalation of the conflict in the region and imposes severe damage on prospects for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians,” said the statement released by senators including Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Mark Warner of Virginia, and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

"Based on the consensus opinion of U.S. and international aid officials, it is nearly impossible to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to protect civilian life under current conditions," the statement added.

Senators said they join President Joe Biden in his call for a "short-term cessation of hostilities" that pose high to civilians, aid workers or humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, in order to accomplish successful delivery of needed humanitarian aid, release of all hostages and opportunity for broader discussion amongst Israeli and Palestinian leadership.

Biden this week said there is a need of "pause" in the Israeli-Hamas war after his speech in the state of Minnesota was interrupted by a rabbi who called for an immediate cease-fire.

“I think we need a pause. A pause means give time to get the prisoners out,” Biden said.

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 10,800 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,240 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.