Rep. Becca Balint First Jewish Congress Member to Call for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

Despite resistance from party leadership, Balint joins growing number of lawmakers advocating for an end to violence and negotiations towards lasting peace.

Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) has become the first Jewish member of Congress to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Balint's call for a ceasefire comes amid a rift within the Democratic Party, with progressive lawmakers and party leadership divided over Israel's response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
Balint has argued for an immediate end to violence, allowing for humanitarian aid and negotiations towards a 'sustainable and lasting peace'.
She has stated that a ceasefire can only work if Hamas does not continue to rule in Gaza, citing the group's violation of international law.
Despite the White House and some Democratic leaders dismissing calls for a ceasefire, Balint joins a growing number of lawmakers, now totaling 32, who have voiced support for a ceasefire.