We, as citizens of the United States and foreign nationals currently in Israel and abroad, along with Israeli citizens and Palestinians, call on the United States and the International community to de-escalate the situation currently unfolding in Israel/Palestine and create a humanitarian corridor for necessary and life-saving aid to reach Gazan civilians. The present escalation of violence can only lead to more destruction and death. Moreover, the complete blockade of Gaza- cutting off the most basic human needs – food, water, energy, and medical supplies, from the over 2 million civilians, 1 million of whom are children – is immoral and likely illegal – violating the 1909 London Declaration, 1994 San Remo manual, and other core components of international humanitarian law. 

This is and would be a crime against humanity and a tragedy of historic proportions. Besieging a civilian population and cutting off their ability to survive is not a legitimate response under any circumstance, even the current one. 

We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the horror and terror that Hamas unleashed on the civilians of southern Israel. Israeli citizens deserve safety and protection. But that cannot be a justification to starve, bomb, and terrorize 2 million Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Nor will such a response bring any more safety than the numerous prior rounds of violence have. This response and escalation will undoubtedly endanger the lives of the over 150 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza as well as the lives of thousands more- including those of US citizens and foreign nationals. 

Considering this, we call upon the United States and the International community to act with urgency to foster de-escalation and advance a long-term diplomatic and political solution to this grave humanitarian crisis. This, along with the creation of a humanitarian corridor to provide life-sustaining necessities to Gazans and rescue refugees, is the only path forward to prevent further tragedy and devastation, and anything short of this will result in countless deaths, Palestinian and Israeli.