1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the United States' continued financial and military support for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. As a nation that values justice, equality, and human rights, it is imperative that we reevaluate our role in this deeply unbalanced and disproportionate conflict. The historical context of this issue is critical. The United States played a significant role in supporting the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, which disregarded the cultural and political realities of Palestinian society at the time. This decision, coupled with the subsequent displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 Nakba, has left a legacy of suffering and injustice that persists to this day. The current situation is dire. Since October 2023, approximately 47,540 Palestinians have been killed, with over 111,618 injured. Of those fatalities, around 18,000 were children, and a significant majority were civilians. In contrast, 1,200 Israelis have lost their lives, with 5,431 injured. While civilian casualties exist on both sides, the scale of devastation faced by Palestinians is overwhelmingly disproportionate. Furthermore, the Israeli military, with its advanced capabilities and significant U.S. support, vastly outmatches the limited resources of Palestinians. This is not about opposing Israel's right to exist or its security. Rather, it is about holding our allies accountable to the same standards of human rights and international law that we expect of others. Continued U.S. funding, without conditions or accountability, enables actions that many view as violations of these principles. I urge you to support measures that: 1. Halt U.S. financial and military aid to Israel until there is demonstrable adherence to international humanitarian law. 2. Advocate for an immediate ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. 3. Address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank by supporting unrestricted access to essential resources. 4. Promote a balanced approach that recognizes the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians. As Senator Bernie Sanders has emphasized, our foreign policy should reflect our values. It is time for the United States to take a principled stand and work toward a just and lasting peace for all people in the region.