More than 19,000 children in Gaza have become orphaned since the genocide began. On April 16, the UN released a report revealing that at least 10,000 Palestinian women in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces, including an estimated 6,000 mothers, leaving 19,000 children orphaned. One child is killed or injured every 10 minutes. More than 15,000 children have been killed and more than 12,000 injured since October 7, 2023. At least 28 children have died from malnutrition/dehydration. 5 percent of children under age 2 are acutely malnourished. More than 1 million children are in need of mental health and psycho-social support. 625,000 students are without access to education. More than 1,000 children have lost one or both their legs.
President Biden continues to supply and fund Israel while knowing since October 2023 that Israel has been targeting civilians. This is continued participation in this genocide and a violation of Leahy law, which prohibits our government from funding foreign forces who are implicated in gross human rights violations. Global human rights organizations have repeatedly reported on Israel’s gross human rights violations and war crimes, including targeting hospitals and healthcare workers, targeting journalists and civilians, using starvation as a weapon, etc. As people of conscience, we will not ignore this.
I support a ceasefire, along with the U.N. Security Council Resolution on March 25 and the majority of Americans (including 77% of Democrats and 56% of Republicans) who support a permanent ceasefire (Data for Progress, February 2024 report). We are paying attention to representatives who publicly call for a permanent ceasefire and ensure UNWRA aid, which will shape the 2024 elections. I want you to cosponsor HR 786 by Rep Bush.
I am demanding you to take immediate steps to stop Israel’s genocide of Palestinians by calling for 1) a total and permanent ceasefire, 2) humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza, 3) an end to Israel's siege on Gaza, 4) the release of all Palestinian and Israeli hostages, 5) no more weapons or funding to the Israeli military, 6) the reinstatement of UNRWA funding. A permanent ceasefire is an absolutely critical step to ensuring everlasting liberation and peace.
The ICJ ruled that Israel should do everything in its power to prevent genocide. Never again means never again for anyone. Palestinians deserve to live with freedom and safety which means first stopping this genocide and then ensuring liberation from occupation and apartheid. The liberation and safety of Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish people, and Muslim people are intertwined. There can only be true safety when we are all free from oppression.
First sent on April 17 by Alice
