1. United States
2. Letter

Israel is engaged in a defensive operation against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, with the primary goal of protecting innocent lives and securing the release of hostages. Tragically, Hamas has demonstrated a complete disregard for human life by holding hostages in tunnels beneath civilian homes, even under a child's bedroom. This despicable act led to the horrific execution of six hostages at close range. Hamas's indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli cities and its use of human shields are clear violations of international law. Their actions serve to endanger civilians on both sides. Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense and to take necessary measures to neutralize the terrorist threat posed by Hamas. The international community must unequivocally condemn Hamas's tactics of hiding behind civilians and using them as human shields. These tactics are not only unethical but also undermine the principles of human rights and the rules of armed conflict. Hamas must be held accountable for its actions and pressured to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally. Israel has demonstrated remarkable restraint and precision in its operations, going to great lengths to minimize civilian casualties while targeting terrorist infrastructure. However, the responsibility for any civilian harm ultimately lies with Hamas, who chooses to operate from densely populated areas and uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. It is imperative that the global community recognizes the reality on the ground and supports Israel's right to defend itself against the terrorist threat posed by Hamas. Only by exposing and condemning Hamas's tactics can we work towards a just and lasting resolution to this conflict.