1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is far past unacceptable and demands urgent action. The targeting of civilians and aid convoys is a grave violation of international law. Children should not be suffering, nor should mothers and brothers, fathers and sisters should not have to live like this. The disproportionate military actions by Israeli forces in response to the undeniably tragic events of October 7 raise serious concerns about potential war crimes and underscore the need for an independent investigation. The escalating violence in Gaza has inflicted immense suffering on civilians from both sides, Palestinian and Israeli. While Israeli military actions in Gaza have been outsized, resulting in staggering casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis, the terror attacks and indiscriminate rocket fire from Hamas militants are also unacceptable and illegal under international law—Israeli civilians should not have to live under constant threat of needing to run to a bomb shelter for days at a time nor should the community have had to grieve for the lives lost on October 7 or had to beg for any true negotiations for the return of the hostages taken that day. All civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, must be protected, and their fundamental human rights upheld. Every human life is precious, and every day that this conflict rages shakes the foundation of our humanity even more out of place. The international community, and the United States especially, has a moral obligation to exert maximum pressure on ALL parties to end the violence, protect civilians, and facilitate unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza. Continuing down this path will only breed more resentment, instability, and misery in a conflict that has gone on for far too long. As Americans, we are raised to believe that every person is born with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—how can we look ourselves in the mirror if we don’t fight to uphold that right for every person across the globe? I urge you to use all available diplomatic channels to demand an immediate ceasefire, ensure the protection of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and secure unrestricted entry of food, water, and medical aid into Gaza. The world is watching, and our collective response to this crisis will resonate through history. Upholding human rights and human dignity must be our guiding star in resolving this man-made catastrophe. Then and only then can a lasting resolution be approached with representatives from all sides. It will require addressing the root causes of this conflict through an open dialogue that recognizes the humanity, dignity, and aspirations of both peoples—a tall order but a necessary one that can only begin when the guns are put down. Ensuring the protection of innocent Palestinian and Israeli citizens demands an end to this cycle of violence and the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace.