- United States
- Mo.
- Letter
Israeli air strikes target aid convoys, blocking aid - Ceasefire NOW
To: Sen. Schmitt, Rep. Cleaver, Pres. Biden, Sen. Hawley
From: A verified voter in Kansas City, MO
February 25
From Washington Post on Feb 23, 2024: “The volume of aid delivered to Gaza has collapsed in recent weeks as Israeli airstrikes have targeted police officers who guard the convoys, U.N. officials say, exposing them to looting by criminal gangs and desperate civilians. On average, only 62 trucks have entered Gaza each day over the past two weeks, according to figures from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - well below the 200 trucks per day Israel has committed to facilitating. Just four trucks crossed on two separate days this week. Aid groups, which have warned of a looming famine, estimate that some 500 trucks are needed each day to meet people's basic needs. Asked if police guarding aid convoys were a target, the Israel Defense Forces said: ’The IDF is operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities. Elements involved in military activity may be targeted.’" It is clear over and over again from Israel’s actions that they don’t care for Palestinian civilians’ safety, Palestinian access to aid or healthcare infrastructure, or differentiating civilians from combatants. The world recognizes this genocide that you continue to supply and support. 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.