1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

This month, Palestinians commemorate 77 years since their historic displacement and dispossession, known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” Today Palestinians describe what they are experiencing as an “ongoing Nakba” with continuing restrictions, violations of rights, and no clear pathway to self-determination. Their pain has only been exacerbated in the last 19 months of Israel’s assault, in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. Israel has received full military and diplomatic support from the US in this year and a half, in which Israel has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and injured 118,000 in Gaza – many of whom are children. This month has seen repeated reports of starvation of Palestinians in Gaza due to the most recent intensification of the Israeli blockade that has cut off food, water, medical supplies, and fuel. The World Food Program has run out of food, worsening the situation to dire degrees. Israel has been accused at the International Court of Justice of “using food as a weapon.” As a person of faith, I write you to say that Israel’s war on Gaza and Palestinians – and US support for Israel’s inhumane and illegal treatment of Palestinians – must end. A principled humanitarian response – one that is not militarized or subcontracted and that allows free and unimpeded access to needed food, water and supplies – must be expedited to avoid further suffering.