U.S.: Sinwar's Death an Opportunity to End the War

Washington, D.C.: October 18, 2024) – In response to the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, DAWN issued the following statement:

"The death of Sinwar should provide President Biden a critical new off-ramp to use real leverage to end the war," said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of DAWN. "The administration should stop enabling Israel's indiscriminate attacks engulfing the region and focus on achieving a diplomatic resolution that respects international law," 

"The U.S. should firmly oppose Israel's looming annexation of any part of Gaza," said Mohsen Farshneshani, DAWN's sanctions counsel. "Any acceptance of incremental occupation, annexation, or settlement would legitimize a land grab predicated on a military campaign widely condemned as genocidal." He added, "The administration should issue a new executive order authorizing sanctions against any individuals and entities, including government officials, military units, and for-profit entities involved in any annexation or settlement efforts. Only decisive red lines and preemptive actions can safeguard U.S. standing and deliver the long-overdue justice and peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve."

"The U.S. should not just convince Netanyahu to 'take the win,' but must also follow France and Italy's lead by imposing an arms embargo," said Raed Jarrar, DAWN's advocacy director. "Continuing to fuel this war is a violation of U.S. law, and risks dragging the U.S. into a wider regional conflict."