Fifty-five U.S. lawmakers have jointly written a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging that Israeli military operations adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law and calling for continued efforts toward peace in the region.
The letter emphasizes the need for Israel’s response to take into consideration the innocent civilians in Gaza who are suffering the consequences of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It also condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel.
The letter highlights the significant loss of life and displacement caused by the ongoing conflict, with more than 1,800 Palestinians in Gaza and over 1,300 Israelis having lost their lives. Additionally, over 423,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip.
The lawmakers stress the importance of achieving lasting peace in the region, emphasizing the interconnected future and safety of both Israelis and Palestinians. They call for addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank in order to achieve lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.
The letter unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, describing it as the worst act of violence against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The lawmakers expressed their condolences for those who lost their lives and hope for the safe return of those taken hostage by Hamas, including American citizens.
The lawmakers call on the Biden administration to prioritize several actions, including communicating that Israel’s response in Gaza must comply with international law, working to swiftly restore the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza, establishing a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of life-saving necessities, and safe haven for civilians, and publicly discouraging hate crimes and backlash against any Americans, including Jews and Muslims.
