1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Israeli authorities must immediately release Christopher Smalls and all activists detained while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The reported physical assault and beating of Smalls, a prominent American labor organizer, by the Israeli Defense Forces is unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights. As a U.S. citizen, Smalls deserves full protection and advocacy from our government. His unlawful detention and mistreatment while engaged in a peaceful humanitarian mission is unjustifiable and cannot be tolerated. I urge swift and decisive action to secure Smalls' release, provide any necessary medical treatment, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for this abhorrent abuse, and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Such actions against American citizens transgress democratic norms of human rights and freedom of peaceful protest.