Frederick R. Albert Vice President | American Federation of Teachers
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) leadership has expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. In a statement, AFT President Randi Weingarten, Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram, and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus highlighted their apprehensions regarding the ongoing conflict.
"We are gravely concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing war there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems intent on using food as a weapon to further his own political needs. Using food as a weapon is both immoral and illegal under any measure of international law," they stated.
The AFT leaders aligned themselves with numerous Israeli human and civil rights organizations advocating for peace. "We join with dozens of Israeli human and civil rights organizations who demand a ceasefire and call for 'the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages' by Hamas. We agree wholeheartedly with these Israeli nongovernmental groups that 'simultaneously, Israel must immediately stop its attacks, cease its policy of starvation, open the crossings for entry of aid to Gaza, and allow aid organizations in the Strip to carry out their work.'"
The statement also urged U.S. political leaders to act swiftly. "We call on President Trump and Congress to ensure that access for the Gazan people to food and other necessary humanitarian aid is quickly facilitated by Israel in a realistic and humane manner."
Emphasizing the urgency of resolving the conflict, they concluded: "Food must never be used as a weapon against innocent civilian populations. This war must end now. A political and peaceful resolution urgently must be found for both Israelis and Palestinians."
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