A Department of Education political appointee resigned on Wednesday, citing in a letter the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The resignation by Tariq Habash, policy adviser in the DOE’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, comes as the conflict – which erupted with Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel – nears its third month with no sign of abating and follows a previous public departure from the administration its handling of the war.
“It should go without saying that all violence against innocent people is horrific. I mourn each and every loss, Israeli and Palestinian,” Habash said in the two-page letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. “But I cannot represent an administration that does not value all human life equally. I cannot stay silent as this administration turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed against innocent Palestinian lives.”
Asked for comment on Habash’s resignation, a Department of Education spokesperson said in a statement, “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Speaking to CNN’s Abby Phillip on Wednesday, Habash called out President Joe Biden directly.
“The refusal by the president to call for an an immediate and permanent ceasefire is untenable with the belief by millions of Americans across this country,” he said on “NewsNight.”
Biden has faced mounting pressure to call for a ceasefire in the conflict. The president has touted his support for Israel to defend itself, but has also highlighted his administration’s push for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. And he’s urged Israel to focus on saving civilian lives, while warning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu risks losing international support over its bombardment of Gaza.
The president said last month that the US “will continue to lead…
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