1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I’m writing with deep concern over the most recent attacks in the Middle East. Specifically, the exponential rise in the death toll in Lebanon amid an escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah is a reminder of the crucial need for all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. Many of the areas in Lebanon struck by the Israeli military’s attacks were crowded residential areas, according to videos reviewed by Amnesty International. Respecting international humanitarian law requires ensuring that only military objectives are targeted. Countries must avoid indiscriminate attacks, disproportionate attacks, and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and they must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure. I write to you directly with two urgent requests: 1. I urge you to do all you can to advocate for an international investigation into the mass explosions targeting electronic devices across Lebanon and Syria on September 17 and 18, which injured more than 2,931 people and killed at least 37, including at least four civilians. All those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable. 2. If the U.S. is serious about the protection of civilians in the region, the Biden administration and Congress should start by stopping arms and weapons shipments to the government of Israel that may be used unlawfully to maim and kill civilians. By continuing to supply weapons to the Israeli government — despite credible allegations of war crimes and other international humanitarian law violations with U.S.-origin weapons — the U.S. government may be complicit in war crimes and civilian killings perpetrated with U.S.-made munitions. The U.S. government has the unique influence to save thousands of civilian lives from airstrikes and other military attacks by using all its available leverage to ensure all parties to the conflict abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. But we need your leadership.