1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The Israeli attack on a hospital tent camp in Deir el-Balah, Gaza that killed four people and injured dozens more is unconscionable and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Medical facilities and personnel are supposed to be protected in armed conflicts. Yet this was the seventh time this year Israel has struck the grounds of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The horrific scenes of burned and charred bodies, tents engulfed in flames, and victims with severe burns covering 60-80% of their bodies are seared into my mind. This latest atrocity comes on the heels of an Israeli strike that killed 22 people sheltering in a school in Nuseirat. Over 42,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have perished in Israel's yearlong assault which has displaced 90% of Gaza's population. It is imperative that concrete action be taken to halt Israel's ability to commit such grave crimes against Palestinians. I urge an immediate suspension of all arms sales and military aid to Israel until it fully complies with international law and ends its illegal occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people. The wanton destruction and civilian carnage cannot be allowed to continue with impunity.