1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The ongoing Israeli military assault on Gaza and the occupied West Bank is causing immense suffering for Palestinian civilians. Over 15 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Thursday morning alone, including children playing in the street. The situation in Jenin is particularly dire, with reports of extensive destruction of infrastructure, homes demolished, and basic services cut off for residents. This collective punishment of an entire population is unconscionable and a grave violation of human rights and international law. Israel's indiscriminate bombardment of densely populated civilian areas, enabled by a steady flow of arms from abroad, is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged territories. The decision by some states to continue supplying arms to Israel only serves to enable these war crimes and must cease immediately. All foreign military assistance to Israel should be suspended until it ends its illegal occupation, lifts the siege on Gaza, and adheres to international law. The international community has a moral obligation to take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions and protect Palestinian civilians from further harm. Empty condemnations are no longer enough. Israel's impunity and disregard for Palestinian lives must end. Withholding arms transfers is a crucial first step toward pressuring Israel to change its policies of oppression and aggression against the Palestinian people.