The Working Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, a group of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States of BiH origin, led by Professor of Philosophy and Holocaust and Genocide Studies David Pettigrew, sent a letter to US President Joe Biden, urging him to use his influence and ensure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Professor Pettigrew, With this letter, the Working Group appeals to President Biden for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to save innocent lives, especially the lives of children who are the most vulnerable.

”This is urgent. A ceasefire will save lives and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid,” Pettigrew said.

He noted that the Working Group committee consists primarily of individuals displaced by war and genocide in BiH who understand very well the lasting impact of conflict on families and communities and the importance of decisive international action to prevent further human suffering.

”We are deeply concerned about the current crisis in Gaza. We urge you to use all available means of diplomatic influence at your disposal to implement a cease-fire in Gaza. We join the call of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who requested an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza ‘in the name of humanity’,” the Working Group for BiH members said in the letter.

They pointed out that Israel's indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, which has caused the death and injury of civilians, is immoral and heinous, recalling reports that over 10,000 people have been killed, including more than 4,000 children.

In addition to the humanitarian ceasefire, the Working Group for BiH noted that negotiations must also ensure the return of the Israeli hostages to their families. Similarly, Palestinians arbitrarily detained in Israeli prisons, whose number has doubled since October 7, must be returned to their families. Amnesty International reported that prisoners are subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment.

Professor Pettigrew noted that the restoration of human rights to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the eventual establishment of a just social order, will prevent the recurrence of violence.

”Our collective experiences, resulting from the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasize our request for an urgent ceasefire and humanitarian intervention in Gaza,” the members of the Working Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina said in the letter.