1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

Halting the supply of weapons that have been documented as causing indiscriminate civilian harm in Gaza is critical to upholding U.S. laws and policies. Credible reports from human rights groups and the UN have confirmed the Israeli military's repeated use of offensive U.S. weaponry like JDAMs and artillery shells in unlawful attacks killing Palestinian civilians, including children. This violates U.S. laws prohibiting security assistance to foreign military units engaged in gross human rights abuses. By passing joint resolutions to block these specific arms sales, Congress can send a clear message that only a diplomatic path - not further militarization - will achieve a lasting ceasefire, secure the release of American hostages, and protect civilians in Gaza. Leveraging military aid has successfully advanced human rights and conflict resolution in other contexts like Yemen. A similar approach providing defensive systems but cutting off offensive arms fueling abuses can create urgently needed diplomatic leverage to resolve the Gaza crisis in line with U.S. laws and values.