1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

The ongoing blockade and military siege on Gaza is causing immense civilian suffering. Restrictions on the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid are leading to critical shortages, forcing bakeries and kitchens to shut down operations. Hospitals face the risk of closure due to lack of fuel needed to power generators, putting lives at risk. This is unacceptable and deeply inhumane. The international community must intervene urgently to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian relief into Gaza. Israel's disproportionate use of force and collective punishment of the civilian population violates international law. All parties must uphold their obligations under the Geneva Conventions. It is imperative that military aid and funding enabling this conflict be immediately halted. Concurrently, funding for UNRWA's vital humanitarian operations in Gaza must be reinstated and increased to meet the dire needs on the ground. Only through promoting human rights, dialogue and a just resolution can this cycle of violence be broken.