I encourage you to read the recent article posted on Common Dreams entitled "As Surgeons, We Have Never Seen Cruelty Like Israel’s Genocide in Gaza", written by two American doctors, Dr. Feroze Sidhwa and Dr. Mark Perlmutter, who recently returned after their time at the European Hospital in Gaza. The two are humanitarian trauma surgeons who have collective experience at serious crises like Ground Zero on 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, southern Zimbabwe, and the war in Ukraine. They have never experienced anything like Gaza.
They described how even after the UN Security Council Resolution, the constant bombardment of the area near the hospital never ceased. The attacks always happened during iftar when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan. The physical and psychological violence used by Israel against Palestinians is beyond comprehension, even for 2 seasoned doctors with experience working in humanitarian crises.
In December 2023, the amount of explosives dropped on Gaza exceeded the force of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima. It's now April and the bombardments have not ceased - how many do you think it is now? I want you to reflect on Dr. Perlmutter's words - “This is dehumanization. The purpose of this is to kill a population.”
I demand that you:
– Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary
– Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace
– Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7
– Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law
– Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA
– Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict
– Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level
– Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed
