1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

From Washington Post on Feb 22, 2024: “More than 74,000 people could die due to war and disease in Gaza over the next six months if the conflict escalates, according to projections from researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health. The 57-page report, titled ‘Scenario-Based Health Impact Projections,’ stresses that it is not predicting what will happen in Gaza, but rather providing ‘a range of projections of what could happen under three distinct scenarios,’ including an immediate permanent cease-fire, a continuation of current conditions, or a further escalation of the conflict. Researchers projected that, even with an immediate permanent cease-fire, there would be 6,550 more deaths in Gaza as a result of the war, ‘due to the time it would take to improve water, sanitation and shelter conditions, reduce malnutrition, and restore functioning healthcare services in Gaza. If epidemic diseases occur, the projected number would rise to 11,580.’” I support a ceasefire, along with 69 Congressmembers (as of Feb 20), 61% of American voters, and over 70% of Democrats (Data for Progress). We are paying attention to representatives who publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, which will shape the 2024 elections. I want you to cosponsor HR 786 by Rep Bush. I am demanding you to take immediate steps to deescalate violence in Gaza and Israel by calling for 1) a total and permanent ceasefire, 2) humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza, 3) an end to Israel's siege on Gaza, 4) the release of all Palestinian and Israeli hostages, 5) no more weapons or funding to the Israeli military, 6) the reinstatement of UNRWA funding. A permanent ceasefire is an absolutely critical step to ensuring everlasting liberation and peace. Never again means never again for anyone. Palestinians deserve to live with freedom and safety which means first stopping this genocide and then ensuring liberation from occupation and apartheid. The liberation and safety of Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish people, and Muslim people are intertwined. There can only be true safety when we are all free from oppression. U.S. made weapons are killing entire families in Gaza. Our tax dollars are directly funding this genocide. The ICJ ruled that Israel should do everything in its power to prevent genocide. South Africa is also suing President Biden for participating in this genocide. You must take action now and end all U.S. support in Israel's enactment of this genocide.