Peter Stevens: Silence on war in Gaza a betrayal of humanity

Shame on the United States for its deafening silence in the face of the ongoing savage and relentless war being waged against Palestinians in Gaza. As the world witnesses the ever-mounting civilian casualties, the wanton destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools, the withholding of food aid, and the desperate cries of the Palestinian people, the U.S. government’s refusal to speak out or act decisively is a stain on its conscience and its global standing.

The principles of human rights and justice that America so often espouses ring hollow when confronted with the reality on the ground in Gaza. By turning a blind eye — or worse, by offering political and military support — the United States is complicit in the suffering and deaths of tens, perhaps hundreds, of thousands of innocent people. The world is watching, and history will not forget this silence.

Are we so distracted by an administration that has run amok in scores of ways, scattering distractions willy-nilly, that we forget to call out our government’s silent inhumanity? Have we no functioning moral compass? Have we no heart, no spine, no outrage?

It is past time for the U.S. to live up to its professed values, demand an immediate ceasefire, and support genuine efforts for peace and accountability. Anything less is a betrayal of humanity.

Peter Stevens

Shelburne