Appeal for Human Rights in Gaza

California Senators Barbara Boxer & Dianne Feinstein,

As the world watches in horror the Israeli government continues its brutal
aggression against Palestinian civilians. The situation in Gaza continues to
deteriorate as Israel tightens its crippling siege.

According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 33, “No protected person
may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed.
Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are
prohibited.” The collective punishment of 1.5 million people in Gaza is a blatant
violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Everyone in Gaza has felt the brutality of the blockade. Medical supplies and fuel
are dwindling as a result of the siege. Israel continues to block food shipments
from the international community, and has cut off all resources to fuel and
power. Hospitals are barely functioning and life support machines are in danger
of shutting down in the absence of vital resources.

Already hundreds of newborn babies, cancer and dialysis patients are facing
imminent death due to shortages of medicine and fuel caused by the Israeli
blockade.

As students concerned with peace and justice, we recognize that Israel’s
dangerous grip on Gaza is working to undermine peace and stability in Palestine,
Israel and beyond.

We the students strongly oppose our country’s ongoing military and economic
aid to Israel. We recognize that this aid, derived from our tax dollars, is
facilitating Israel’s continuous violation of human rights.

We urge you to initiate action in Congress to call on Israel to immediately lift
the crippling blockade and insist that Israel respect International Humanitarian
Law.