1. United States
2. D.C.
3. Letter

The ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces is deeply concerning and must be condemned. Peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right that should be protected, not criminalized. The recent arrests of nonviolent protestors exercising their right to free speech on the George Washington University campus undermine this core principle. Authorities must refrain from using excessive force or unjustified detainment against those legitimately expressing their outrage over human rights violations occurring in occupied Palestinian territories. A de-escalation of tensions and resumption of good-faith peace negotiations is urgently needed to address the root causes of this long-standing conflict and prevent further loss of innocent lives.