1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the Block the Bombs Act and enforce an arms embargo on Israel in light of recent international rulings and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recently made a significant ruling regarding Israel's obligations in Gaza. The court found that Israel, as an occupying power, has failed to meet its responsibility to ensure the basic needs of Gaza's population are met. This ruling carries substantial legal and political weight, even if not technically binding. The ICJ explicitly stated that Israel must support UN relief efforts, including those of UNRWA, and ensure the provision of supplies essential for survival. Importantly, the court rejected Israel's allegations against UNRWA staff as unsubstantiated. This underscores the critical role of humanitarian agencies in the region and the need to support their work unimpeded. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. UN agencies report that while aid delivery has increased since the recent ceasefire, it remains below target levels. The ICJ emphasized that starvation cannot be used as a method of warfare, yet accusations persist that Israel is restricting aid, leading to a humanitarian disaster. Given these circumstances, I strongly believe that the United States must take a stand. Supporting the Block the Bombs Act would be a concrete step towards ensuring that U.S. weapons are not used in ways that violate international law or contribute to human suffering. An arms embargo on Israel would send a clear message that we prioritize human rights and adherence to international law over military support. The ICJ's ruling is separate from other cases Israel faces under international law regarding its actions in Gaza, but it forms part of a growing body of evidence suggesting that current policies are causing disproportionate harm to civilians. I urge you to act swiftly on this matter. Supporting the Block the Bombs Act and advocating for an arms embargo are crucial steps in aligning our foreign policy with our values and international legal obligations. Your leadership on this issue could help prevent further loss of life and promote a path towards peace and stability in the region.