I write to you with urgency regarding Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). This ban is not only a flagrant violation of international law but a direct attack on the survival of millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for food, healthcare, and education.
As affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations General Assembly, Israel has no legal jurisdiction over the OPT, making this ban an egregious overreach of power. UNRWA has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees for over 70 years, providing critical humanitarian assistance amid Israel’s ongoing blockade and military aggression in Gaza. To strip an already besieged population of essential aid in the midst of a humanitarian catastrophe is unconscionable and must be met with immediate international condemnation.
Dozens of NGOs have joined the call to reverse this decision, recognizing the devastating consequences it will have on Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where famine and medical shortages are escalating. The international community must not remain silent as Israel weaponizes starvation and disease against an occupied people.
As a nation that provides Israel with minimum of $3.8 billion in annual military assistance, the U.S. has direct leverage to demand compliance with international law. It is unacceptable that American taxpayer dollars continue funding military aid while Israel openly violates international legal rulings, enacts collective punishment, and obstructs humanitarian relief. I urge you to take immediate steps to suspend military assistance to Israel until it fully complies with international law, including lifting its blockade on Gaza and reversing the UNRWA ban.
I demand that you publicly denounce Israel’s unlawful ban on UNRWA, push for stronger accountability measures, and take legislative action to end U.S. military aid to Israel until it ceases its violations of international law. The United States cannot continue enabling human rights abuses under the guise of unconditional support. Your leadership on this issue is critical to preventing further loss of life and ensuring that international law is upheld.
I look forward to your swift response and decisive action on this urgent matter.
First sent on February 2 by BlueCollarJew
