1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am once again writing to you following the horrific massacre in Rafah, which has seen Israel bomb displaced Palestinians taking refuge in tents. The strike resulted in widespread fires burning people alive, bodies being ripped to shreds and the decapitation of at least one infant child. Over 45 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with more remains continuing to be discovered in the aftermath. This atrocity followed a deliberate strategy of deception. Four days prior, occupation forces directed Palestinians to move to an area designated as a “safe area.” This same location became the target of the massacre, exposing a calculated plan to target vulnerable civilians seeking refuge. Adding to the gravity of the situation, an American-made 2,000-pound bomb was used in this massacre, with assistance from the United Kingdom, which had a British Airforce Shadow R1 Spy Plane flying over Gaza at the time. This attack in Tal as-Sultan followed similar strikes on shelters housing displaced Palestinians in other areas, including Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 160 people. Despite the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt all operations in Rafah on Friday, 24th May 2024, Israel has shown blatant disregard for international law, continuing its assaults on Rafah. On Saturday, Israeli forces continued attacks, striking the Shaboura camp and areas near the Kuwaiti Hospital. In the 48 hours succeeding the ICJ ruling, Israel bombed Rafah more than 60 times. When all the bodies have finally been counted, we are going to see a death toll of six figures. These actions constitute severe violations of international law and humanity. They are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign of terror and genocide against the Palestinian people. Words of condemnation are insufficient. Concrete actions must be taken to hold Israel accountable and to halt these atrocities. I urge you to advocate for immediate sanctions against Israel, including the suspension of military aid and arms, a two-way trade embargo, and support for international prosecutions of those responsible for these war crimes. The international community must not stand by while such inhumane acts continue. As I have since October, when Israel first began this most recent genocidal campaign against the indigenous people of Palestine, I continue to look forward to seeing you upholding international law by taking decisive action.