Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Over 30 staff members of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have urged the progressive lawmaker to endorse a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The request, detailed in a letter reported by Politico, aligns with similar appeals from Chicago City Council member Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez, who has called on Chicago’s leadership, President Biden, and the Democratic Party to support a cease-fire. “We cannot be proud to be silent when silence is complicity in atrocity. Our city’s tradition of demanding justice is directly tied to our leaders calling for a cease-fire,” the staffers expressed in the letter, emphasizing the urgency of their appeal during a critical time.
The call for a cease-fire reflects a growing divide among Democrats, with progressives increasingly challenging the Biden administration’s staunch support for Israel amidst the conflict. The high civilian casualty rate in Gaza, which includes over 11,000 fatalities, of which more than 4,600 are children, has intensified these calls. Recent developments saw hundreds of former Biden campaign staffers and a group of progressive House members, led by Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), along with Senators Jeff Merkley and Dick Durbin, advocating for a cease-fire.
This comes as a temporary cease-fire was announced late Tuesday, leading to the release of about 50 hostages over a four-day halt in hostilities. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the conflict would persist after the cease-fire, emphasizing Israel’s objectives to eliminate Hamas and ensure security against threats from Gaza.