We are heartbroken by the ongoing violence in Israel, Gaza, and across the Middle East. As Quakers, we deeply mourn the loss of all lives and pray for those who have lost loved ones in this war. We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7 and call for the release of all hostages. We also condemn the indiscriminate and violent Israeli response that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

Since the escalation began, the Israeli government has restricted food, fuel, and humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. The U.N. is warning of a growing famine and a spiraling polio epidemic if urgent action is not taken. More than a million people have been internally displaced several times due to the fighting. There is currently no safe place in Gaza and “safe zones” throughout the Strip are repeatedly getting bombed by Israeli warplanes. As the bombardment and blockade persist, the humanitarian toll continues to mount.

More war and weapons won’t bring peace. In the face of growing violence, lawmakers must:

• Publicly call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon to prevent further loss of life;

• Prohibit the transfer of more lethal weapons and military assistance to Israel;

• Prioritize the protection of all civilians by urgently permitting humanitarian aid to freely enter Gaza and Lebanon, fully funding UNRWA (the U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees) and other vital aid operations, and working to secure the release of hostages;

• Publicly call for an end to further annexation and Israeli settler violence in the West Bank;

• Work diplomatically to support regional de-escalation across the Middle East; and

• Urge all parties to fully respect International Humanitarian Law.

Urge Congress to call for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation, and humanitarian access to prevent further civilian harm in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Congressional staff tell us personalized letters are most impactful. Customize your message to reflect your experience. Find tips here.