McGovern Statement on International Human Rights Day – Congressman Jim McGovern (.gov)

U.S. Representatives Support Suspension of Offensive Arms Transfers to Israel

Introduction

On November 2024, U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Becca Balint (VT-AL) publicly endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders’ joint resolutions of disapproval (S.J. Res 111, S.J. Res 113, and S.J. Res 115) aimed at suspending specific offensive arms transfers to Israel.

Context and Rationale

1. Condemnation of Violence and Call for Ceasefire

   The representatives condemned the tragic killing and hostage-taking during Hamas’ attacks on October 7th and advocated for a ceasefire ensuring the safe return of all hostages. They emphasized the importance of defensive systems like the Iron Dome, which remain unaffected by the proposed suspension of offensive arms transfers.

2. Concerns Over Human Rights Violations

   They expressed deep alarm regarding the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza, citing independent human rights monitors’ documentation of U.S.-provided weaponry used in violations of international law. The Biden administration’s report assesses that Israeli security forces have likely violated international humanitarian law using U.S. weapons.

3. Humanitarian Aid Crisis

   Humanitarian aid entering Gaza has dropped drastically, with an average of only 28 trucks per day crossing into Gaza in October 2024, compared to a pre-war average of 500 trucks daily.

4. U.S. Government Response
   • The Biden Administration has expressed serious concerns about Israel’s military campaign and restricted aid access.
   • Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanded increased humanitarian access by November 13, 2024, as per the Foreign Assistance Act.
   • As of November 4, 2024, Israel had failed to meet these demands, with corroboration from multiple humanitarian organizations.
   • No significant action has been taken by the Biden Administration to enforce compliance.
5. Political Implications

   The representatives warned that the return of President-elect Trump could embolden Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right ministers. They stated that supporting the joint resolutions would politically restrain the Netanyahu government from annexing parts of the West Bank and Gaza.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  The call for a ceasefire and protection of human rights aligns with SDG 16’s aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, and build accountable institutions.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  Ensuring humanitarian aid access supports SDG 3 by addressing health and well-being needs of civilians affected by conflict.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  Suspending offensive arms transfers to prevent further civilian harm contributes to reducing inequalities and protecting vulnerable populations.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The emphasis on leveraging U.S. influence to promote peace and humanitarian access reflects the importance of global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The U.S. Representatives urge Senators to support the joint resolutions of disapproval to:

• Block specific offensive arms sales to Israel in accordance with U.S. law prohibiting arms transfers to countries violating internationally recognized human rights.
• Use U.S. leverage to safeguard civilian lives and secure a lasting ceasefire.
• Advance a pathway toward peace consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals.

These actions are critical to uphold international humanitarian law and contribute to global efforts for peace, justice, and sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses ceasefire advocacy, protection of civilian lives, and condemnation of violations of international law, which relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Concerns about humanitarian aid access and protection of hostages and civilians relate to ensuring healthy lives and well-being.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The mention of humanitarian aid entering Gaza at historic lows implies food security and humanitarian assistance issues.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The focus on protecting Palestinian civilians and addressing violations of human rights relates to reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children (implied by concern for hostages and civilians).
2. SDG 3
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks (implied by humanitarian aid concerns).
3. SDG 2
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries (implied by humanitarian aid delivery).
4. SDG 10
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 16
   • Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age (implied by focus on violence and civilian deaths).
   • Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information (implied by calls for transparency and accountability).
2. Indicator for SDG 3
   • Proportion of population with access to essential health services (implied by humanitarian aid access issues).
   • Number of people requiring humanitarian assistance (implied by references to hostages and civilians affected by conflict).
3. Indicator for SDG 2
   • Quantity of food aid delivered to affected populations (implied by data on trucks crossing into Gaza).
4. Indicator for SDG 10
   • Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by focus on inequalities and protection of vulnerable groups).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: jayapal.house.gov