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.

Biden administration staffers conducted a vigil outside the White House, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, an NBC senior White House correspondent reported the vigil via X, previously known as Twitter.

The correspondent’s post included a photo showing the group in front of the White House, displaying a banner with the message “PRESIDENT BIDEN, YOUR STAFF DEMANDS A CEASEFIRE” and candles arranged to spell “CEASEFIRE.”

CNN reported that the vigil saw the participation of over three dozen people. Josh Paul, a former State Department official who resigned in mid-October due to disagreements with the administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, delivered the opening remarks. Paul emphasized, “The American people and respected institutions like the United Nations are pleading for a ceasefire, but this administration has yet to listen. 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.”

In addition, a former administration staffer read a statement from Palestinian officials critical of the US government’s role in the conflict. The statement highlighted, “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.”