Demanding the US halt military aid to Israel

What's the short version of this issue?

I won't insult you by pretending there is a "short" or uncomplicated version of what's going on in Gaza right now, but I'll include links below for you to explore this topic and its history.

The critical facts to me are that:

• On October 7, 2023, Hamas led an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,200+ people and 250+ people being taken hostage.

• In response to this attack, Israel's Prime Minister (Netanyahu) began attacks on Gaza.

• As of 1/4/2025, 46,416 Palestinians have been killed (refer to this live tracker), many of whom have been children.

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have:

  • charged Netanyahu and his administration with war crimes for their attacks on hospitals and patients, aid workers, journalists, and more

  • categorized his actions as genocide against the Palestinian people

  • issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others for those war crimes

• As of 10/7/2024, the US has sent Israel/Netanyahu nearly $18 billion in military aid (refer to this PBS article).

• This past week (the first week in January 2025), Biden announced plans to send an additional $8 billion in military aid (specifically, weapons) to Israel/Netanyahu (refer to this AP News article).

  
  

Where can I learn more about this issue?

• BBC Article: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained

• Human Rights Watch article: October 7 Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes by Hamas-led Groups

• BBC Article: What is Hamas and why is it fighting with Israel in Gaza?

• Al-Jazeera's Israel-Palestine Conflict Website

• Amnesty International Article: Israel defying ICJ ruling to prevent genocide by failing to allow adequate humanitarian aid to reach Gaza

• Amnesty International Article: Amnesty International investigation concludes Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

• United Nations Study on The legality of the Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

• United Nations Press Release re: the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on Israel's occupation of Israel

Why do I care about this, and why should you?

I care about this issue because it is unacceptable to me that the US is funding and supporting Israel's/Netanyahu's genocide campaign against Palestinians. While I believe that a country has a right to defend its borders and protect the people that reside within those borders, I do not believe it it acceptable to respond in a way that (1) doesn't prioritize human life and safety at all or (2) uses it as an excuse to activate an imperialist campaign.

As a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), I am familiar with the pain and sense of betrayal of global abandonment under a US-backed illegal occupation. While the impacts in Hawai‘i are certainly less deadly than the genocide currently happening in Gaza, the parallels resonate deeply with me.

Demanding that the US government stops sending military aid to Israel is important to me, and I think should matter to you, because I refuse to be complicit in genocide and I feel like the US could be spending that money to address any number of items from the long list of current issues in the United States, like homelessness, which reached a historic high this year.

What actions can be taken?

• Learn more about the history of Israel, Palestine, and the recent events in Gaza.

• Donate to organizations that are trying to help:

  • United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

  • Amnesty International

  • American Friends Service Committee

  • World Health Organization (WHO)

• Divest from companies that are supporting Israel's/Netanyahu's genocide campaign.

• Call and/or write to your elected congressional officials (US Representatives, US Senators, the President, and the Vice President). A sample email/letter template is below (and can be used as a phone script).

Here's where to look up who your elected officials are, as well as their contact information:

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Email/letter template

Dear <insert elected official's name here>,

As of January 4, 2025, 46,416 Palestinians, including countless children, have been killed in Gaza. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) have formally charged Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration with war crimes for attacks on hospitals, patients, aid workers, and journalists. These actions have been categorized as genocide against the Palestinian people, with arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and others.

Despite this, the United States has provided nearly $18 billion in military aid to Israel since October 2024 (as reported by PBS). Most recently, your administration announced plans to send an additional $8 billion in military aid this month, further fueling a campaign that prioritizes weapons over human lives. The US has a very long list of issues like homelessness, healthcare, affordability, and more that these substantial US taxpayer dollars could be used to address and should be prioritized.

I recognize that nations have a right to protect their borders and people. However, this must not come at the cost of genocide or the utter disregard for human life. I demand that you:

1. Cease Military Aid to Israel: Halt the flow of US taxpayer dollars and military aid to support Israel’s genocide campaign.

2. Demand an Immediate Ceasefire: Use US political influence to ensure an end to violence in Gaza and prevent further loss of life.

3. Prioritize Domestic Needs: Reallocate those financial resources to address urgent issues at home, like homelessness and poverty, rather than funding genocide.

Failure to take these actions not only undermines US credibility but risks alienating voters like myself who are unwilling to support leadership complicit in genocide. Your decisions now will shape the future—for the people of Gaza, for Americans who demand justice, and for the soul of our nation. I hope you can prioritize these actions to prevent further loss of life.

Thank you for your time.

<insert your name here>

#WriteALetter #MakeACall #Donate #Divest #Gaza