Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 1m

Thank you to @schiff.senate.gov, @kaine.senate.gov, Sen. Rand Paul, & all 48 Senators who took a principled stand against Pres. Trump's illegal strikes.

We're disappointed by the outcome, but encouraged to see strong & bipartisan support to stop this lawless killing & reassert Congress' war powers.

Sen. Adam Schiff @schiff.senate.gov · 15h

BREAKING: I just forced a vote with Senator Kaine to block the unauthorized boat strikes in the Caribbean.

In an important step forward, the vote was bipartisan, even if it fell two votes short.

Bipartisan measure to restrict Trump’s war powers fails in Senate

A bipartisan Senate resolution to restrain Trump’s ability to wage war against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers failed in a 48-51 vote.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by FCNL

Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 13h

As I wrote in April, the Trump administration is repurposing the “war on terror” framing against a new set of supposed enemies—both foreign and domestic.

DHS Secretary lumping together Antifa, MS-13, & TdA with ISIS.

www.crisisgroup.org/united-state...

7 16 37

Reposted by FCNL

IfNotNow🔥✡️ @ifnotnowmovement.org · 2h

If this ceasefire holds, it must mark the beginning of a new path — one where US policy shifts from fueling apartheid and genocide to supporting freedom and safety for all, starting with HR 3565, the Block the Bombs Act.

We must not let this genocide resume or anything like it happen again.

(9/9)

4 18

Reposted by FCNL

IfNotNow🔥✡️ @ifnotnowmovement.org · 2h

Every life is a universe. Any deal that stops the bombs from falling and saves lives is cause for relief and celebration.

(1/9)

1 8 33

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

🕊️True peace means the presence of justice, the honoring of human dignity, and the recognition of our shared humanity.

🙏We pray that the long work ahead toward healing and rebuilding will begin without delay.

1 3

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

Palestinians deserve freedom, safety, and dignity — not conditional aid or colonial oversight.

Peace will only last when it’s built on equality, accountability, and the right of all people to live free from violence.

1 1 3

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

What’s missing? A pathway toward true Palestinian sovereignty, rebuilding, and justice.

There was no Palestinian representation at the table. This deal was negotiated without the people most impacted.

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

After two years of relentless bombing and starvation, Palestinian families need a massive surge of aid now.

That means full international aid access must be secured, UNRWA must be restored, and the failed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation must be abolished.

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

Humanitarian aid is supposed to return to pre-war levels — roughly 600 trucks a day, meeting the U.N.’s minimum standards.

📣This is welcome but not enough. Aid should never have been cut off in the first place.

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

All Israeli hostages in Gaza are set to be released along with 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel – many of whom are women and children.

We pray that all those unjustly held captives are swiftly returned home.

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

The deal announced by President Trump follows a 20-point framework drafted by Israel and the U.S.

While the terms remain vague, here are some key things to know ⬇️

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

We’ve seen fragile ceasefires breakdown before, with Israel repeatedly violating past agreements.

We need enforceable international guarantees this time to ensure the bombardment ends and that aid flows freely to Palestinians in dire need.

1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2h

After two horrific years, it’s welcome news that we may finally see a reprieve from the violence & genocide in Gaza.

This could be the start of healing. But only if there is accountability to ensure real steps are taken toward just and lasting peace.

Here's what you need to know 🧵⬇️

Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · 17h

President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal to end the two-year war in Gaza.

1 3 4

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 20h

"Out of care for human life, Congress should vocally and categorically denounce these strikes, emphasize that we are not in an 'armed conflict' with drug traffickers, and move to stop any further acts of violence in the Caribbean."

📣"War is not the answer at home or abroad."

Senators Gear Up for War Powers Resolution Vote on Unlawful Caribbean Strikes | Friends Committee On National Legislation

The Senate will soon vote on a War Powers Resolution, as early as today, October 8, to stop the Trump administration’s unlawful strikes against boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean.

www.fcnl.org

4 7

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 22h

@hassaneltayyab.bsky.social

1 1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 22h

New: American Doctors Bring Gaza’s Reality to Capitol Hill ⬇️

🙌"Partnering with these heroes to lobby Capitol Hill was a profound honor and gives us strength to keep working for peace. Even in the darkest times, truth and moral clarity can light the way forward."

Bearing Witness and Taking Action: American Doctors Bring Gaza’s Reality to Capitol Hill | Friends Committee On National Legislation

It’s hard to find words for this moment. The genocide in Gaza unfolding before our eyes has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, and the full scope of the devastation remains unknown.

www.fcnl.org

1 1 4

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 23h

Chicago Mayor Johnson on the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Illinois: "It’s illegal, unconstitutional, it’s dangerous, it’s wrong."

War is not the answer - at home or abroad.

'Illegal... Unconstitutional... Dangerous... Wrong': Texas National Guard Troops Invade Illinois | Common Dreams

"Illinois will not let the Trump administration continue on their authoritarian march without resisting," vowed Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker.

www.commondreams.org

2 7

Reposted by FCNL

ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

President Trump is deploying armed and masked federal agents to cities across the country, endangering our rights and safety.

But state and local leaders have the power to protect their communities.

Trump Deploys Federal Forces—States Push Back Against Abuse of Power

Trump is using the military and federal law enforcement to build out a paramilitary policing force across the country.

www.aclu.org

10 130 450

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 1d

Your voice is needed - the Senate has power here and must act. Call your senators now to urge them to vote for this War Powers Resolution and stop the killing on the high seas fcnl.quorum.us/campaign/144...

Join the movement for peace and justice!

Take action through the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

fcnl.quorum.us

2 3

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 1d

The Trump administration is illegally striking boats in the Caribbean - killing over twenty people so far. The Senate will vote TODAY on a resolution which would stop this
www.fcnl.org/updates/2025...

Senators Gear Up for War Powers Resolution Vote on Unlawful Caribbean Strikes | Friends Committee On National Legislation

The Senate will soon vote on a War Powers Resolution, as early as today, October 8, to stop the Trump administration’s unlawful strikes against boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean.

www.fcnl.org

1 14 18

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2d

Let us come together in hope and action, praying for a future where all can live with safety, dignity, and peace.

2

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2d

More than ever, we need good-faith diplomacy that leads to a robust ceasefire — protecting 2 million civilians, helping bring the hostages home, delivering vital aid to Gaza, supporting self-determination and equal rights for all, and promoting de-escalation across the region.

1 1 3

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2d

This date also reminds us that we must stand against hate in all its forms — antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism — because lasting peace depends on recognizing our shared humanity.

1 1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2d

As we remember this anniversary, FCNL renews its commitment to work toward peace with the understanding that the safety of Israelis and Palestinians is interconnected. Real peace can only come through compassion, justice, and mutual understanding.

1 1

FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 2d

Palestinians in the West Bank also continue to face escalating violence and displacement at the hands of Israeli settlers.

1