American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Jan 15, 2025

Today marks a long-awaited and bittersweet moment of solemn relief after 15 months of unimaginable suffering. The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza is an opportunity to acknowledge the end of the genocide that has devastated the Palestinian people. It’s a day to honor and grieve the over 100,000 Palestinians murdered and the countless injured and to confront the complete destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, ranging from entire villages to individual homes, schools, universities, and hospitals. For survivors, this is a moment where they can finally mourn their losses; meanwhile, their scars — physical and emotional — will remain an enduring testament to this atrocity, reverberating through generations to come.

While we celebrate this moment of reprieve, we must remind ourselves that the work is far from done. This ceasefire does not mark the end of the catastrophe perpetuated by Israel, made only possible with President Biden’s unconditional support. Returning to a pre-2023 occupation status quo is not only unacceptable but a betrayal of the very idea of justice. True peace demands a complete departure from Israel’s system of oppression, which has defined Palestinian lives for decades. Justice means ensuring that every Palestinian displaced by Israel’s apartheid regime can return home to rebuild their lives with dignity, security, and the freedom that has been denied to them for far too long. Justice also demands accountability — every Israeli and American official complicit in these war crimes must face credible international mechanisms. Peace is inseparable from justice, and justice cannot exist without the dismantling of systems that uphold apartheid and occupation.

The United States and Israel bear both a moral and legal obligation to rebuild the homes, infrastructure, and lives destroyed by U.S.-made bombs. Gaza’s reconstruction must not be delayed, nor should it be contingent upon political conditions. The international community must establish credible mechanisms to ensure that Israel is held accountable, not only by paying for the reconstruction but also by compensating Palestinians for their immense loss and suffering. Above all, the future of Gaza, and all of occupied Palestine, must be determined by its people, for its people. It cannot be shaped by American and Israeli coercion or any attempt to perpetuate the occupation, injustice, and oppression that Palestinians have endured for decades. 

Israel’s track record makes it clear that it cannot be trusted to honor its agreements. Likewise, the United States has demonstrated, over decades, that it is not an impartial or honest broker. To ensure that commitments are upheld and violations are met with proper accountability, there must be an independent international mechanism under the supervision of the United Nations. Only through such credible oversight can we guarantee that Israel is held to its obligations and that justice and fairness are guaranteed.

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) extends its gratitude to everyone who tirelessly advocated for this ceasefire. From those who filled the streets in protest, wrote letters, made phone calls, and amplified Palestinian voices — this moment is a testament to your unwavering commitment and solidarity. But above all, this ceasefire would not have been possible without the unparalleled courage, survival, and efforts of Palestinians in Gaza. They are the heart of this moment. It is their steadfast determination to endure Israel’s oppression that has made this reprieve possible. To the people of Gaza, your strength inspires the world and reminds us all of the true meaning of courage and perseverance.

We do not have the right to rest. As the genocide ends and Palestinians begin the arduous journey of rebuilding their homes and lives, we must recognize that this is not enough. The work must continue to end Israel’s occupation and apartheid, systems of oppression that have persisted for far too long, fueled by unwavering American complicity. Let this day be a rallying cry — a call to action to pursue the hard but necessary work of achieving lasting justice and true liberation. This ceasefire must not be a temporary pause but the foundation for a future where Palestinians can live free from occupation, apartheid, and oppression.

The path ahead is steep, but together, we will walk it. For those whose lives were taken, for those who endure, and for generations yet to come, we commit to continuing this fight until justice prevails. This is only the beginning of the hard work required to dismantle oppression and build a future rooted in equity and freedom. Let us honor the dead not only with remembrance but with relentless action.

In solidarity,
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging & educating Americans on Palestinian rights and the Israeli occupation. AMP is a premier national organization in the Palestine solidarity movement.