Issued November 18, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) today issued public support for the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval in the Senate that would block the sale of certain offensive weapons to Israel.
“SEIU members have made clear that they want an end to taxpayer dollars being used to fund military aid that enables attacks against innocent civilians in Gaza,” said SEIU International President April Verrett. “It’s time for Senators to take action to help bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”
SEIU urged Senators to support the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens due to Israel restricting the flow of food and medicine to tens of thousands of Palestinians who face malnutrition and starvation, and as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to finalize a deal puts the remaining hostages’ lives in danger.
SEIU member delegates at their convention in May passed a Resolution for Permanent Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid, and Peace that condemned both the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and the Israeli military’s war against Palestinians in Gaza. The resolution called for:
An immediate, permanent ceasefire.
The immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The immediate release of Palestinians being held in Israeli jails without due process.
The delivery of life-saving food, water, medicine and other resources to the people of Gaza.
Urgent concrete action by our governments to stop the catastrophic loss of civilian lives and achieve a permanent ceasefire, including enforcement of current U.S. laws barring military support for those blocking U.S. humanitarian aid, resumption of critical humanitarian aid funding, and investment in the reconstruction of devastated Gazan communities led by Palestinian civil society.
An end to taxpayer dollars being used to fund military aid that enables attacks against innocent civilians in Gaza.
A lasting solution to the conflict in Israel and Palestine that includes statehood and self-determination for the Palestinian people, durable security for the Israeli people, and peace, democracy, and justice for all in the region.