1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to draw your immediate attention to the deliberate targeting and killing of Palestinian children by Israeli snipers, and to respond to these atrocities. Children account for more than 37% of all civilian deaths in Gaza, with more than 15,800 children killed in 280 days. Jewish American doctor Mark Perlmutter recently shared with CBS News his harrowing observations from Palestine, recounting the deliberate and precise targeting of children by Israeli snipers. He described cases where children were shot so accurately in the chest and head that it was impossible for such acts to be mistakes. His account, alongside testimonies from over 20 doctors, reveals a horrifying reality where Palestinian children are systematically targeted. Another American doctor confirmed seeing numerous children with gunshot wounds to the head, a pattern that is both shocking and deeply disturbing. In February, another visiting doctor witnessed similar atrocities, describing an emergency room filled with children, aged 5 to 8, all with sniper shots to the head. These accounts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systematic pattern of violence. Such deliberate targeting of children underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for these war crimes. I call on you to push for immediate sanctions against Israel and a full arms embargo, and to enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire. A recent Human Rights Watch report detailed how these killings are part of a systematic approach, supported by comprehensive evidence, including medical data, eyewitness accounts, video footage, and field research. The findings indicate that these are deliberate actions, not accidents, pointing to a clear policy of targeting Palestinian children. For months, we have witnessed Israel’s intent to eradicate Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, through the deliberate targeting of civilians, children and essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Over 90% of deaths in Gaza are civilians, according to EuroMed’s independent investigations. The targeting of such infrastructure underscores the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and sanctions to enforce it. The US Congress cannot remain silent in the face of these violations of international law. I urge you to demand sanctions against Israel to enforce an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Additionally, it is imperative to support the prosecution of all groups and individuals responsible for these atrocities, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions. Recognising the state of Palestine and committing to upholding the inalienable human rights of Palestinians is a priority. These steps are essential to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and to ensure that such heinous acts do not go unpunished. I look forward to your action regarding this urgent matter. (https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/12/12/israel-submission-un-committee-rights-child)