1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

The evidence presented by the University Network for Human Rights report is deeply disturbing. With an estimated 34,000 Palestinians killed, over 14,000 of them children, and entire civilian populations forcibly displaced and deprived of food, water and other necessities for survival, there are strong indications that Israel's military actions in Gaza constitute acts of genocide under international law. While Israel argues it is acting in self-defense against Hamas, the scale of civilian casualties and the deliberately inflicted conditions of life raise serious concerns about violations of the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction. It is crucial that the international community take decisive action to prevent further atrocities and potential genocide. A key step would be to halt the transfer of arms and military assistance enabling these grave violations. As a country obligated under the Genocide Convention to prevent and punish genocide, the United States must immediately stop sending weapons and other military aid to Israel that could be used in these operations in Gaza. Continuing such support would implicate the U.S. in complicity with these potential genocidal acts. Strong economic and diplomatic pressure must also be exerted to compel Israel to fully comply with International Court of Justice orders, lift the siege on Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population. Only by taking resolute action can the international community uphold its responsibility to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of this catastrophic situation.