Indivisible Statements on the Israel/Palestine Crisis

Indivisible has joined the global community in expressing our horror and grief at the loss of over 1,400 Israelis, Americans, and foreign citizens in Hamas’ attacks on October 7, and echoed calls for all hostages to be released immediately. In the more than six months since, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated catastrophically with Israel's ongoing bombardment and blockade of life-sustaining supplies like water, food, medicine, and power. To date, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with two-thirds of them being women and children. Hundreds more Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank. In January, Oxfam International reported that Israel's military was killing Palestinians at an average rate of 250 a day which exceeds the daily death toll of any other major conflict of recent years. Save the Children reports that more children have been killed in Gaza since October 7th than in global conflicts annually over the past 4 years. Over one million people - more than half the population - have been forced to seek shelter in Rafah, where they lack the food, water, and medicine to survive.

We are horrified by the situation and heartbroken at the human cost. Below is a compilation of Indivisble’s statements on the evolving situation calling for a ceasefire that will free the hostages, end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and secure a durable peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

    • Indivisible statement on October 7th

    October 7, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks the one year anniversary of the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis and others, and took several hundred people hostage. It also marks one year since the brutal Israeli military response began, which has killed over 41,000 Palestinians and others, including more than 16,000 children, and caused the mass displacement of nearly every civilian in Gaza. Reflecting on this solemn milestone, Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, issued the following statement:

    “Today, we mourn the Israeli, American, and other lives taken in Hamas’ horrific attack of October 7th, and stand with the victims - those who lost their lives, lost family, were taken hostage and have been killed since and those who remain in captivity. We join with the families of remaining hostages in calling for their immediate release and for a ceasefire deal that would bring them home. We recognize the pain of this day for our Jewish community and members, compounded by the rise in antisemitism around the world, and hold in our hearts everyone who is grieving for family or friends lost or harmed.

    “In the year since October 7th, the Netanyahu government’s military response has taken an horrendous toll on Gaza’s people, with tens of thousands of civilians killed, overwhelming numbers of families displaced, large-scale risk of starvation, and suffering on an almost unfathomable scale. Again, a ceasefire and step back from the regional escalation currently underway is desperately needed. And we commit ourselves to linking arms with our Muslim and Arab community members to oppose the dangerous rise of Islamophobia and anti-Arab bigotry, both in the US and globally.

    “None of this was inevitable. The path to safety and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike depends on a different course.

    “The souls lost in the past year deserve a justice that political leadership has not provided. Extremists on both sides of this conflict have put their political agendas ahead of innocent lives. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly undermined efforts to chart a path for peace and security for everyone in the region - instead pursuing a brutal military campaign in Gaza that indiscriminately kills Palestinian civilians, including children, refugees, and hospital patients. While families of Israeli hostages beg him to prioritize the return of their loved ones, he instead puts his own political goals first.

    “Netanyahu’s destructive path has unfortunately received continued support and legitimization from the US government, in the form of diplomatic efforts at the UN and through the direct provision and sale of ammunition, bombs, and other military supplies. While humanitarian aid is restricted by Israeli military operations, the weapons continue to flow unabated. This falls short of our human rights obligations, and pushes further into the future the day when everyone in Israel, Palestine and the entire region can live in safety, security, and dignity. 

    “The October 7th of today is also a day of mourning. A different path has been available and can still be taken. Indivisible continues to urge the Biden administration to use all the tools and leverage at their disposal to put an immediate end to the bloodshed and finally begin working towards peace.”
     

    Press Release

  • October 1, 2024

    • Indivisible calls for urgent de-escalation and diplomacy in Israel, Lebanon, and the region

    October 1, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to reports of increased military violence across Israel-Lebanon border and Iranian missile strikes on Israel, Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, issued the following statement:

    “The increased violence across the border between Israel and Lebanon is deeply distressing. Reports of Iran-backed forces launching missile strikes into Israel are frightening, and Indivisible condemns these attacks. A regional war does not make anyone safer - and civilians in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere across the region will face the steepest cost. Such a war also risks the safety of US forces stationed in the region, and we must avoid being directly pulled into a broader conflict with Iran. 

    “Regional escalations like we’re seeing today are exactly what ceasefire advocates have warned would come from months of permissive policies towards PM Netanyahu’s brutal war in Gaza. He has repeatedly rejected and actively undermined peace talks that could have led to a ceasefire and hostage release deal. His increasingly escalatory strategy has caused massive loss of civilian life and put the entire region teetering on the dangerous brink of full blown war. 

    “The Biden administration must assertively pursue de-escalation through diplomacy. The threats from Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations are real, but recent history has proven that a devastating military campaign is not the path towards peace and security. And the past year has shown that greater leverage, including suspending offensive weapons transfers, must be deployed for Netanyahu to change course and prevent the worst outcome.”

  • May 31, 2024

    • Indivisible on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Address to Congress

    July 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director Leah Greenberg released the following statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress:

    “In Gaza, Netanyahu is waging a disastrous military campaign of slaughter and famine. In Israel, he’s an anti-democracy mini-Trump who’s prolonging bloodshed to stay out of prison. In America, we’re supposed to greet him as a statesman? I don’t think so.” 

    “For months, Indivisible has been calling on members of the House and Senate to say ‘No to Netanyahu,’ to sit out his speech, and to demonstrate their support for an end to the slaughter, starvation, and reuniting every hostage with their loved ones. Rather than dignifying a man perpetuating a brutal onslaught and humanitarian crisis, our elected leaders should be pressuring him to take the peace deal that’s on the table. No more US bombs should be sent to be dropped on Gaza, and the US must use every ounce of diplomatic pressure available to secure an immediate ceasefire, now,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible. 

    Leading up to this speech, Indivisible had been driving constituent calls to Senator’s and Member’s offices as part of the ‘No to Netanyahu’ pressure campaign. Below is an excerpt from the call scripts (House ; Senate):

    Hello, I’m a constituent from [part of state], and I’m calling to tell [Representative] that I am outraged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to address Congress. 

    Netanyahu is corrupt and continuing the war in Gaza for his own political gain. His relentless bombings of hospitals and refugee camps have killed tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. He has made it clear that he is more interested in his far-right agenda than in bringing an end to the brutal war and securing the release of the hostages. Having him speak to Congress would undermine efforts by President Biden and the international community to end the war and get desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza.  

    Tell [Representative] I expect them to say No to Netanyahu and skip his address. They must send a clear message to him that they do not support his prolonged war or the bloodshed it has caused and take a stand in support of a ceasefire. 

  • May 31, 2024

    • Indivisible on President Biden’s Speech on Hostage and Ceasefire Deal

    May 31, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Leah Greenberg, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director, released the following statement responding to President Biden’s speech on plans for a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza:

    “President Biden's speech makes it clear that a ceasefire in Gaza is not only possible, but within reach. We need an immediate end to the killing and devastation, a return of all hostages, a massive influx of humanitarian aid, and to take meaningful steps towards a durable peace. Indivisible welcomes President Biden publicly urging negotiators to take the deal that's on the table - every day without a ceasefire deal in place is another day of bloodshed and civilian casualties. 

    “To be clear, it is not just time for a peace deal, but well past time. We continue to mourn the fact that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had to flee Rafah in abject terror from Israeli military bombardments and invasions, that civilians died in the tent fires over the weekend, that the ongoing famine conditions are worsening, and that the families of hostages are still not reunited with their loved ones. Peace cannot come soon enough, and the United States has a critical role to play. Red lines cannot become green lights. President Biden must exert real leverage to close a peace deal, including ensuring that no more US bombs are sent to be dropped on Gaza. 

    “President Biden ended his speech with, “I need your help. Everyone who wants peace now must raise their voices and let their leaders know.” We will answer that call. For eight months, Indivisible has been imploring our elected leaders to push for peace. Now, we must reiterate the demand to ensure US political leaders act, and that this is a real turning point that ends the conflict.”

  • May 28, 2024

    • Indivisible Project Co-Executive Director Leah Greenberg on Netanyahu’s Attack on Rafah 

    May 28, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Indivisible’s co-executive director Leah Greenberg issued the following statement on Netanyahu’s assault on Rafah over the weekend:

    “When Biden said that invading Rafah would be crossing a red line, it’s because we all knew it would be complete devastation. He also wasn’t alone in his concerns. From the International Court of Justice to every single humanitarian and human rights organization, everyone was raising every possible alarm in the direst terms that an Israeli military assault in Rafah would result in unfathomable civilian suffering. 

    “Netanyahu cannot write this off as a tragic mistake. Nothing about this was unexpected. Nothing about this is acceptable. The line has been crossed. It’s past time for Biden to firmly stand by his own words, break withNetanyahu, and immediately halt any more US weapons being supplied for this offensive. The killing must stop, and Biden must exert significant diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire. Immediately.”

  • May 22, 2024

    • President Biden, Don’t Undermine the Rule Of Law for Netanyahu

    May 22, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to news that the Biden administration is considering supporting congressional action against the International Criminal Court, Indivisible released the following statement: 

    “For months, Indivisible has urged President Biden to break from Prime Minister Netanyahu and use more diplomatic leverage to stop the killing in Gaza. Netanyahu and his government are perpetrating a brutal war with enormous civilian loss of life, through direct bombing and gunfire, as well as from restriction of food, water, and medicine. Netanyahu has regularly disregarded the Biden administration’s guidance and requests regarding military strategy and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  He's a corrupt, authoritarian leader who would prefer Donald Trump to be president of the United States. Undermining the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court on his behalf would be a grave strategic mistake - a mistake that Indivisible urges President Biden and congressional leaders to avoid.

    “Rather than eroding legitimate paths to seeking peace and justice, the US should prioritize securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire, returning all hostages to their families, and taking steps towards security for all in the region. “

     

  • May 15, 2024

    • Indivisible Project Co-Executive Director Leah Greenberg on Biden $1 Billion Arms Deal with Israeli Military

    May 15, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Indivisible’s co-executive director Leah Greenberg issued the following statement on Biden’s $1 billion arms deal with Israel as PM Netanyahu moves forward with his invasion of Rafah:

    “President Biden made the correct decision to begin withholding offensive weapons that would be used by the Israeli government in a Rafah invasion. The administration has noted in their recent report to Congress that it is ‘reasonable to assess’ that weapons and equipment provided by the US to the Israeli military have been ‘inconsistent with its IHL obligations or with established best practices for
    mitigating civilian harm.’ We must collectively demand - no more US weapons for the killing of civilians.

    “The announcement that the administration would move forward with a $1 billion arms sale to the Israeli military undermines what should be a clear message. President Biden should be sharply breaking with Netanyahu’s disastrous war strategy, which is making everyone, including Israelis, less safe. Continued weapons sales like this do not bring us closer to a ceasefire and a release of all hostages, but tell Netanyahu this is business-as-usual. The horror faced by Palestinians in Gaza demands more urgency. The US must halt offensive arms transfers and exert significant diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire, now.”

     

  • May 7, 2024

    • Indivisible calls on US Lawmakers to Oppose the Invasion of Rafah

    May 7, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Leah Greenberg, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director, released the following statement urging U.S. lawmakers to withhold offensive arms transfers and security assistance for the Israeli military invasion of Rafah: 

    “As he promised, Prime Minister Netanyahu is moving forward with a military invasion of Rafah, endangering the lives of all who live there, along with the more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering there after being displaced from their homes. He is moving forward in spite of a proposed ceasefire deal on the table along the lines that Israel has previously accepted. This is unconscionable, and represents a moral and strategic catastrophe. 

    “The Biden administration has indicated they oppose a military invasion of Rafah without a credible humanitarian protection plan in place for civilians. As Indivisible and other human rights and pro-peace organizations have stated, such a plan is not possible and humanitarian conditions are already beyond the breaking point. The time to act is now, not after countless more lives are lost.

    “The Biden administration, and close allies in the House and Senate, have expressed their disapproval of a Rafah invasion, indicating they would consider withholding or placing conditions on military aid to Israel should such an invasion occur. Netanyahu is moving forward, the time to act is now, and without a moment to waste. 

    “Netanyahu’s ‘Rafah invasion no matter what’ posture cannot stand. U.S. weapons and security aid cannot support Netanyahu’s invasion of Rafah, which would amount to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. We call on U.S. lawmakers to withhold arms transfers, to enforce U.S. and international laws, to follow through on the commitments of Biden’s National Security Memorandum, and to use every ounce of diplomatic leverage to prevent this accelerating nightmare. We desperately need a ceasefire, a return of the hostages, and the first steps towards a durable peace.”

     

  • May 1, 2024

    • Indivisible Co-Executive Director Leah Greenberg on Arrests and Violence Against Student Protestors

    May 1, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Indivisible Co-Executive Director Leah Greenberg issued the following statement after arrests and violence against students who are exercising their First Amendment right to protest against college and university support for the Israeli government’s assault on Gaza:

    “We are appalled by the violent suppression of peaceful protesters at college campuses, whether through aggressive police tactics or violent counter-protesters. These actions strike at the heart of our core American freedoms of speech and assembly, safeguarded by the First Amendment.

    “The introduction of militarized law enforcement onto our campuses jeopardizes the safety of all students—Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian alike—and runs counter to the essence of what our educational institutions should embody. Our campuses should be centers for learning, community, and free dialogue, not militarized zones patrolled by officers in riot gear or National Guard troops.

    “Such measures make our academic environments less safe and do not protect against antisemitism; rather, they misuse our communities as a pretext to quash dissent. It's crucial that responsible leaders act immediately to de-escalate tensions, promoting a culture of dialogue over confrontation and excessive shows of force.

    “Our movement will always support the right to non-violent protest, a fundamental tactic in our ongoing efforts to defend democracy against authoritarian, anti-democratic forces who wish to erode our basic rights. We continue to reject antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, or Islamophobic language and actions — whether at these protests or elsewhere. And we continue to call for a ceasefire that will free the hostages, end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and secure a durable peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

    “University administrators, law enforcement, and policymakers must honor the values of openness, education, and civil discourse, and ensure our campuses remain places where these ideals can thrive without fear of violence or repression.”

  • April 22, 2024

    • Indivisible on House Passage of the Foreign Aid Package

    April 22, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Leah Greenberg, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director, released the following statement responding to the House passing a package of foreign aid bills: 

    “Indivisible was heartened to see the courageous votes of 37 Democrats who opposed sending additional offensive weaponry and assistance to the Israeli military in light of the ongoing horror, famine, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans deserve a path towards peace and security, not more bombs and regional escalations. It’s alarming to provide this military assistance while banning funding for UNRWA, the organization best positioned to deliver the urgently needed food, medicine, and other aid to civilians in dire need.

    “We thank those principled No votes for opposing the failed strategy of providing unconditional military aid to Netanyahu’s war in Gaza. It’s past time for a different approach. Indivisible continues to call for the US government to use significant leverage, including enforcing existing US laws that condition foreign assistance, to get a ceasefire in place. This remains the best path to return all hostages to their families, to surge humanitarian aid, and to avoid the reckless escalations that could spark a full blown regional war. 

    “We’re simultaneously grateful that the House has finally passed assistance for Ukraine as they continue to resist Russia’s invasion. This should have happened months ago, and could have, were it not for right-wing extremists doing Trump’s bidding.”   

  • April 5, 2024

    • Indivisible on President Biden’s call with PM Netanyahu

    Apr 5, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Leah Greenberg, Indivisible’s co-founder and co-executive director, released the following statement responding to President Biden’s recent call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: 

    “It is a welcome development that President Biden, and his close allies like Senator Chris Coons, are putting conditions or limitations on military assistance to the Israeli government on the table. It is welcome, but insufficient. The famine conditions in Gaza, the unconscionable loss of Palestinian life, the killing of aid workers, and Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian assistance demand more urgency than simply putting options on the table. 

    “President Biden should withhold arms transfers immediately, contingent on an independent and transparent investigation by the U.S. into Israel’s compliance with international law and compliance with the US laws for security assistance. No more bombs should go towards indiscriminate attacks on Palestinian civilians or aid workers. The killing must stop now, not only after a Rafah invasion or some other horror. Enough.  

    “It’s clear that Netanyahu’s objectives are incompatible with a durable peace for Israelis, for Palestinians, and for everyone in the region. The US cannot continue to fund and supply his war effort. We must use every bit of leverage we have to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a massive surge of humanitarian aid, and real steps towards peace and security.”

  • January 26, 2024

    • Indivisible Reiterates Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza in Response to Ruling from the International Court of Justice

    January 26, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling and provisional measures in the case brought by South Africa alleging violations of international law by Israel in their military campaign in Gaza. In response, Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, issued the following statement:

    “The ICJ ruling underscores what we’ve known for months - the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond a crisis point, and the ongoing military campaign from Israel is actively exacerbating it and causing a catastrophic loss of civilian Palestinian lives. Beyond the direct bombing and gunfire, the restrictions on food, clean water, and basic medical supplies have put hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation and disease. This must stop.  

    “As humanitarian organizations are making clear, the best way for Israel to comply with the provisional measures from the ICJ is an immediate ceasefire and a massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza. It’s critical that the Biden Administration forcefully use their influence to secure this ceasefire, including the return of all hostages, and ensure the legitimacy of the ICJ ruling is upheld. 

    “Every day of continued violence and destruction is causing incalculable harm, increasing the risk of further regional escalation and making Palestinians, Israelis, and everyone in the region less safe. We urge President Biden to join the international community in demanding an immediate ceasefire, a return of all hostages, and all necessary humanitarian assistance.”

  • November 22, 2023

    • Indivisible Welcomes News of a Temporary Ceasefire, Continues to Call for a Durable Ceasefire and Additional Humanitarian Aid

    November 22, 2023

    In response to reporting that Israel and Hamas have announced an agreement for a temporary ceasefire and the release of a number of Israelis and Palestinians, Indivisible released the following statement: 

    “We are filled with relief and gratitude for the families that will be reunited and lives that will be saved by this deal.

    “A temporary ceasefire proves that diplomacy - not war - can bring an end to the bombing and violence. The Israeli government’s bombardment and blockade have been indiscriminate, causing an unbearable loss of Palestinian lives and destruction in Gaza. We thank the Biden administration for their role in the negotiations that led to this step and urge the President to continue working towards a durable ceasefire. Every life saved during this pause in hostilities is precious and worth it. 

    “The United States and all parties involved must now do everything in their power to extend the ceasefire, pursue diplomatic solutions, secure the release of remaining hostages, end the suffering and bloodshed, and dramatically ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

  • October 30, 2023

    • External Resource: Five Recommendations for Ending the War and Ensuring Human Security in Israel-Palestine (Center for International Policy)

    Organizations and leaders in the progressive foreign policy community have strongly condemned the heinous and illegal acts Hamas perpetrated against Israeli civilians, as well as Israeli government actions that have killed and gravely harmed Palestinian civilians in violation of international law. It is also essential for progressives in the United States to propose and champion forward-looking recommendations for how the Biden Administration can help end the current war in Israel-Palestine and best ensure the security, rights and well-being of Israelis and Palestinians in the longer term. The progressive foreign policy community is diverse in both its composition and views. Different groups and leaders will no doubt have their own specific prescriptions that go beyond those articulated here, but we hope the following recommendations can serve as a commonly supported basis for essential US action. Read the Center for International Policy Recommendations →

  • October 20, 2023

    • Indivisible calls for Ceasefire in Israel/Palestine Crisis

    October 20, 2023

    We joined the global community in condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7th. Now, we are deeply concerned that the path the Israeli government is embarking on is one of collective punishment, leading to devastating suffering for the people of Gaza, the majority of whom are children. The risks of the crisis expanding regionally grow by the hour. An immediate ceasefire is needed to save lives in Gaza, so hostages can be safely released, to establish a humanitarian corridor so that aid can get into Gaza, and to avert regional escalation.

  • October 18, 2023

    • Indivisible Calls on the Biden Administration to De-Escalate the Crisis in Israel/Palestine

    October 18, 2023

    We are horrified by the catastrophic deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the Israeli government’s ongoing bombardment and blockade of life-sustaining supplies like water, food, medicine, and power. Thousands of innocent people are dead and the toll of victims of the bombardment campaign and blockade continues to rise. The risks of escalation into a regional crisis grow by the hour. We urgently need de-escalation. We call on the Biden administration to use all tools at its disposal to de-escalate the crisis, ensure that the hostages held by Hamas are released, and ensure that humanitarian aid can flow to the people in Gaza.

  • October 13, 2023

    • The Congressional Letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken Expressing Concern on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

    October 13, 2023

    We’re horrified by the mounting death toll of civilians in Gaza and the growing humanitarian crisis. We’re grateful to these Members of Congress for laying out crucial steps to protect civilians, and we call on the Biden Administration to do everything in its power to protect innocent lives.

    Representatives Pramila Jayapal, James P. McGovern, Jesús G. "Chuy" García, Delia C. Ramirez, Ayanna Pressley, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Mark Takano, Sylvia R. Garcia, Greg Casar, Jasmine Crockett, Veronica Escobar, Danny K. Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Raúl M. Grijalva, Gwen S. Moore, Nydia M. Velázquez, Judy Chu, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Lloyd Doggett, Betty McCollum, Bill Foster, Sean Casten, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Daniel T. Kildee, Debbie Dingell, Earl Blumenauer, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joaquin Castro, Becca Balint, Val Hoyle, Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Jared Huffman, Chellie Pingree, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Jamaal Bowman, Sara Jacobs, Melanie Stansbury, Paul D. Tonko, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Dwight Evans, Anna G. Eshoo, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Madeleine Dean, Jill Tokuda, Marcy Kaptur, Summer Lee, Robert Garcia, Lauren Underwood, Nikema Williams, André Carson, and Zoe Lofgren.

  • October 9, 2023

    • Indivisible Statement on the Escalating Violence in Israel/Palestine

    October 9, 2023

    We are horrified by Hamas’ brutal attack on Israeli civilians, and mourning the lives lost as the toll continues to climb. We join the world in expressing our unequivocal condemnation; there can be no justification for attacks that target civilians. Our hearts are with the lost, missing and kidnapped, and all those who love them. 

    We also recognize the Palestinian civilian lives lost in recent days and the continual toll taken by the Israeli occupation and blockade. We call for the United States response to be rooted in a commitment to international law, human rights, and the protection of human life and dignity.