United States Airman, Aaron Bushnell, bravely decided to set himself on fire outside of the Israeli Embassy in D.C. in an attempt to protest against Israel’s current war in Gaza. Bushnell worked as a cyber defense operations specialist in San Antonio and was reported to have notified an abundance of reporters and leftist news sources of descriptions and warnings of his plan. In a heart-breaking live stream on Twitch, Bushnell is seen engulfed in flames repeatedly declaring “Free Palestine!” N.P.R. quotes Bushnell’s lasting sentiment in which he stated “I will no longer be complicit in genocide.” His protest against the horrifying Israel-Gaza war was intended to expose the morality of the situation, attempting to steer the American government away from the tactical side of the conflict. N.P.R. explains that the health ministry as well as the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported over “29,000” deaths as well as “2 million” displaced Palestinian citizens. Aaron Bushnell is one more death that is a result of the incompetence of nations that make no effort to end this dreadful war. This act of self-immolation is not the first in American history, nor is it the first to occur in response to Israeli attacks. In December, a similar occurrence took place in front of the Israeli consulate in Georgia, leaving the protester with critical injuries – a much more desired fate than Bushnell’s. In response to Bushnell’s acclaimed sacrifice, the Biden Administration has stated that they hope for a cease-fire to ensue soon. Many groups have come together after Bushnell’s act and have placed blame on the Biden Administration for not encouraging Israel to stop their attacks. Bushnell’s protest is a wake-up call to the American government, and it is a wake-up call to the American people: a call for an end to genocidal acts against the Palestinian people of Gaza. 

The end of Aaron Bushnell’s life – a life that advocated for liberation – was directly the cause of a conflict that dates back to 1948. The current situation in Gaza is engrossed in violence, poverty, hunger, fear, and death. Though the conflict has been perceived as controversial due to the terrorist group Hamas’ initial attack in October, the Israeli government has irrevocably decided to take the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinian citizens in an attempt to target Hamas members. Efforts to end this conflict for good have been unsuccessful due to both Hamas’ and Israel’s pertinacious stance when it comes to negotiations. Additionally – with little enforcement – the United States government has requested Israel to conclude its attacks on innocent civilians. Transgressing their plea, Israel continues to launch attacks that infringe on multiple international laws, all while continuing to receive aid from the United States. With evidence of ethnic cleansing spreading across the West Bank, tensions have risen to an all-time high. Bushnell’s self-immolation has caused an uproar among anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups, adding pressure to the Biden Administration in their efforts of a cease-fire. Unfortunately, the Hamas terrorist group has responded to Bushnell’s act of bravery by using the severity of the situation to blame the Biden Administration and favor their own beliefs. Both sides have committed grave and unfortunate acts, but the people of Palestine along the Gaza Strip should not have to suffer. With Bushnell’s sacrifice spreading through the media, the Biden Administration’s mere ‘hope’ for a cease-fire does not reveal their intended actions. Aaron Bushnell was clear in his effort to epitomize the brutality of the situation as well as the Palestinian losses that ultimately infringe on the humanitarian values that the United States claims to stand for. This problem will continue to persist if nations do not intervene and mitigate the attacks launched throughout Gaza.

To put an end to Israeli attacks, to prevent deaths like Bushnell’s, and to provide security for the Palestinian people should be the privy intentions of the American government. Since the United States holds great authority in the Israeli parliamentary democracy due to their bilateral relations, they can influence the course of the Israel-Gaza war. An ideal solution that has the potential to end the attacks on Palestinian citizens includes a course of action that requires the United States to somewhat oppose Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. By imposing larger sanctions on the Israeli government, the Biden Administration can ensure that attacks on civilians will refrain from happening again. Once the attacks are alleviated, a mutual agreement between Israel and Hamas must be established. The most idealistic strategy would encompass a two-state agreement in which both states acquire independence. It is important to note that the terrorist group, Hamas, is not justified in any of its actions. This negotiation is meant to provide security and stability for both Palestinians as well as Israeli citizens. It is crucial to urge Israel to stop its military attacks and prevent any future damage or collapse within the Gaza Strip. With the American government’s unwavering support for Israel and focusing solely on strategic ways to end the conflict, the prospect of genocidal acts will only begin to increase. Aaron Bushnell’s act was intended to broaden the United State’s view, enhancing the severity of these attacks and its grave impact on Palestinian people across the globe. Standing up to Netanyahu, and providing support for the Palestinian citizens can mitigate the deaths induced and alleviate the suffering that innocent citizens endure daily. Bushnell opened the eyes of the American people and feasibly opened the eyes of the American government, bringing to light the moral duty each individual owes to each innocent life taken.