1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to you following the latest atrocity committed by Israeli forces in Gaza. In the early hours of August 10th, Israeli military aircraft targeted Al-Taba’een School in Gaza City, killing over 100 Palestinians during morning prayers. The school, where over 6,000 displaced people sought refuge, became a scene of unimaginable horror as Israel struck the building with 3 missiles. The sheer force of the bombing obliterated people beyond recognition. According to witnesses and circulating video footage, the area is strewn with body parts, making it nearly impossible for paramedics to identify any of the deceased. “The school area is strewn with dead bodies and body parts. It is very difficult for paramedics to identify a whole dead body. There’s an arm here, a leg there. Bodies are ripped to pieces.” This attack is not an isolated incident. Over the past month, Israel has made bombing schools an almost daily occurrence, leading to the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians, including children. In the first ten days of August alone, nine schools have been targeted, and in many of these bombings, over 80% of fatalities and casualties were children. In 10 months, Israel has bombed over 150 schools in Gaza and killed over 42,000 civilians. There has been no decisive action from the international community to hold Israel accountable for these war crimes, despite the UN concluding that “extermination” is taking place. Sanctions must be implemented against Israel immediately to enforce a ceasefire. This includes an arms embargo and a two-way trade embargo. This will also mount pressure on Israel to end its illegal occupation and apartheid, as recently called for by The Hague. To ensure the future security and safety of Palestinians following these grave crimes against humanity we must urgently recognize the Palestinian state. Put an end to these war crimes, and hold those responsible accountable. Words have never been sufficient in the face of genocide and apartheid. The world is watching, and history remembers. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/israeli-strike-gaza-school-hamas-palestinians-b2594465.html)