A copy of a letter seen by Reuters reveals that more than a thousand officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development have signed an open letter urging President Joe Biden's administration to call for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. The letter states: "As professionals in development, public health, and humanitarian aid, we are concerned and frustrated by the numerous violations of international law, which aims to protect civilians and those working in the medical and media fields, as well as schools, hospitals, and places of worship."
The letter, published on November 2, has to date garnered 1,029 signatures from employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development. The names of the signatories are concealed, but the letter indicates that it is signed by officials from many of the agency's offices in Washington, in addition to officials deployed around the world.
The letter is the latest sign of discontent within the U.S. government regarding Biden's steadfast support for Israel in its response to Hamas attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians. Washington has rejected calls from Arab, Palestinian, and other leaders to stop Israel's assault on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, where the Gaza Health Ministry reports that the attack has resulted in the deaths of 11,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children.
