Staffers from the Biden administration gathered outside the White House on Wednesday, holding a vigil to call for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
According to reports, over three dozen people, including a State Department official who recently resigned in protest, gathered for the vigil. The group held a banner that read "PRESIDENT BIDEN, YOUR STAFF DEMANDS A CEASEFIRE," while candles were arranged in the shape of "CEASEFIRE" in front of the group.
The vigil was organized by former administration staffers who are unhappy with the Biden administration's handling of the conflict. In his opening remarks, the State Department official, Josh Paul, expressed his disappointment with the administration's failure to listen to calls for a ceasefire.
"The American people and respected institutions like the United Nations are pleading for a ceasefire, but this administration has yet to listen," Paul said. "We demand President Biden and members of the Cabinet to speak up: Call for a permanent ceasefire, a release of all hostages, and an immediate de-escalation now."
One former administration staffer also read a statement from Palestinian officials, highlighting the consequences of the US government's decision to "double down" on fueling the violence.
NOW: Dozens of Biden administration staffers hold a vigil outside the White House, calling for a ceasefire.
“The temporary ceasefire ended 13 days ago, and we are horrified to see the full resumption of killings, displacement and bombardment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” pic.twitter.com/6A7gT90IRV
— Hümeyra Pamuk (@humeyra_pamuk) December 13, 2023
"The US government's decision to double down on fueling the violence has put our objectives around the globe in jeopardy for us to achieve any movement on some of the most intractable issues we face today," the administration staffer stated.
The Biden administration has continued to face criticism for its response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the administration has called for a de-escalation of the violence, they have stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. This has drawn backlash from both Palestinians and some members of the public.
The White House and the U.S. Secret Service have not yet responded to requests for comment on the vigil.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since early May, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and at least 12 Israelis. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange airstrikes and rocket fire, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip.
The Biden administration has faced pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to take a stronger stance on the conflict. Many have called for a more forceful approach, including the withholding of military aid to Israel until a ceasefire is reached.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond. But as their own staffers gather outside the White House to call for a ceasefire, the pressure for the administration to take a more proactive approach will likely only grow stronger.