Dear Secretary of State Blinken,

I am writing to you to express my concern about the escalating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including in East Jerusalem and Gaza.

In this recent wave of conflict, we are reminded of similar horrific hostilities from 2008, 2012 and 2014. Civilians bear the brunt suffering through massive death and destruction.

Israel has a deplorable record of unlawfully killing and injuring thousands of civilians, displacing tens of thousands and destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure. These violations include war crimes and crimes against humanity. Palestinian armed groups have committed violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, with impunity.

The USA must intervene bilaterally and as a UN Security Council member to end the cycle of impunity and violations in Israel/OPT by publicly denouncing war crimes and other serious violations including illegal settlement expansion, the blockade of Gaza, and dispossession of Palestinians such as those in Sheikh Jarrah.

I urge you to act now and help end the cycle of violations and injustice.

Thank you,