NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today called upon Israel to cease military operations against Hamas in light of an October terrorist attack by the terrorist organization that left hundreds of people dead, including innocent women and children, some who were burned, tortured, and dismembered.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ New Jersey chapter (CAIR-NJ) has recognized Gov. Phil Murphy’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Gov. Murphy’s statement aligns with the Biden Administration’s efforts to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by Hamas, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
““Over the past six months, tens of thousands of innocent civilians have died as a result of this conflict, and at this very moment, hundreds of thousands more people – especially women and children – are at dire risk of starvation,” Governor Murphy said. “Here in New Jersey, one of the most diverse states in America and home to one of the largest Palestinian American communities, we know there are many families mourning the loss of innocent loved ones who have died in Gaza due to this conflict. I want these families to know that we grieve with them – and that we share in their pain and heartbreak.”
Gov. Murphy’s appeal follows calls from several Muslim and Palestinian groups for a boycott of the administration’s expected Ramadan iftar, due to the ongoing conflict. CAIR-NJ expressed appreciation for Gov. Murphy’s role in the safe return of some Palestinian Americans from Gaza. However, they pointed out that his call for peace arrives six months into Israel’s conflict with Gaza, during which over 32,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, with nearly 3,000 family members of New Jersey’s Palestinian community lost.
CAIR-NJ also highlighted the absence of acknowledgment from Gov. Murphy regarding Israel’s responsibility for actions deemed by some international entities and a U.S. court as potentially genocidal. Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ Executive Director, emphasized the tardiness of Gov. Murphy’s support for a ceasefire, underscoring the extensive loss of Palestinian lives prior to this initiative.