1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The ongoing violence in Gaza and the disproportionate loss of Palestinian civilian lives is deeply concerning. The recent Israeli airstrike in Rafah that killed dozens of people sheltering in a makeshift refugee camp is an unacceptable tragedy. While Hamas's rocket attacks towards Israeli cities cannot be condoned, the retaliatory strikes appear to be excessive and are inflicting immense suffering on the Palestinian people. A ceasefire and resumption of peace talks is urgently needed to prevent further escalation and loss of innocent lives on both sides. I urge you to use your influential position to condemn the civilian casualties, call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and apply pressure on Israel to pursue non-violent conflict resolution through negotiations and respect for human rights.