Iowa’s delegation urged to call for cease-fire

Decorah Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is deeply alarmed by Israel’s bombardment of Rafah — “the last safe zone “ in Gaza where more than 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge. The U.N. is warning of mass atrocities if this offensive proceeds.

That’s why we are urging Rep. Ashley Hinson and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to oppose the transfer of more weapons of war, which would only intensify this conflict. Instead, they must publicly call for a permanent cease fire, regional de-escalation and respect for international law to prevent further civilian harm.

It is critical that they prioritize the protection of all civilians by working to increase humanitarian access and reaching a deal to secure the safe release of all Israeli hostages — we need these both and simultaneously.

More war is not the answer. Military action will not end this crisis. Only when the shooting stops permanently can we address the root causes of this conflict. Without that, there is only more war in the future.

Bill Deutsch

Decorah