1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The ravages of war are relentless and heartrending. They inflict unspeakable agony on innocent lives, forcing them into a gut-wrenching turmoil of survival, a realm where tomorrow isn't guaranteed. It is disheartening that in this day and age, vast resources - monetary, intellectual, and logistical - are allocated to assert dominance, rather than building bridges of peace, love, and understanding. In the case of the continued U.S. funding to Israel, the situation is no different. The blatant support of Israel's actions against Palestinian civilians via the dispatch of arms is a disturbing continuation of such brutal policies, pushing an entire population to the brink of devastation. Countless pleas and cries for help reverberate across the global stage, yet it seems deaf ears are turned towards these desperate calls for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. A ceasefire that can bring an end to the indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians, and give them a glimmer of hope for a peaceful coexistence. The current direction of U.S. funds does nothing but fuel the flames of conflict, giving rise to more and more instances of crimes against humanity. It is a harsh irony that the birthplace of democracy is perpetuating such undemocratic, inhuman actions, deterring the propagation of human rights, peace, and civility. Matchless in power and influence, the United States has the capability to create a significant shift in this grim scenario. It is high time we pressurize the decision-makers at Capitol Hill to reevaluate their stance and direct resources towards peace-building efforts rather than escalating violence. The cessation of funding to Israeli military actions against Palestinians is an essential step towards this end. Every breath stolen by these violent actions is a stain on our collective humanity, a stain that can only be wiped clean by stepping away from the path of war and choosing the road leading to peace. Let us all rise above this tumult and call for an end to crimes against humanity now, not tomorrow, not next month, but today.