So many of us in the Peace Action family have been touched by the harrowing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. From all of us at Peace Action, we are thinking of you. We work toward a peaceful world where all are free from this kind of devastating violence.
I know one thing we all can do as we grieve – and that is to take action.
Take action today. Urge your members of Congress to call for de-escalation and a ceasefire.
As details of the massacre by Hamas-led forces in Israel come out, the human response is profound disgust. But this attack can also be looked at through the lens of international law. There were clearly multiple war crimes committed, and as one humanitarian law scholar points out “they almost certainly constitute crimes against humanity”.[1]
Likewise, the Israeli government's response is transparently engaging in gross violations of human rights. The far-right Netanyahu government announced these violations on TV, threatening to cut off food, water, and fuel adding “We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.”
Most members of Congress have offered “unwavering” support for Israel despite the blatant crimes of siege starvation and indiscriminate bombing. This is a green light for further violations.
You and I can change that. What U.S. politicians say matters.
International law is a tool, rarely applied, not a panacea. But it's a way of protecting civilians on the path to ridding the world of war and the mentalities and structures that drive it.
The UN Human Rights Chief pointed out that “the imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians is prohibited under international humanitarian law”. He called on all countries to use their influence to stop this. When you and I lobby Congress on this we are pushing the U.S., the country with perhaps the greatest influence, to help prevent this crisis from getting worse and worse.
Of course, following international law means an end to the Israeli occupation and the complicity of the U.S. We can push toward that liberation while we work to end the current bloodbath.
Thank you for taking action at this important time,
Jon Rainwater
Executive Director
Peace Action
P.S. If you’ve already taken action, at a time like this I think it is appropriate to do so again. Or call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Or better yet, both!
Sources:
[1] The Siege of Gaza and the Starvation War Crime, Tom Dannenbaum, Just Security, October 11, 2023
