Shimon Peres

President of the State of Israel

The Office of the President

3 Hanassi Street, Jerusalem 92188,

Israel

Dear President,

I am outraged at the unacceptable loss of civilian life amid Israel's military onslaught in Gaza.

Unquestionably Hamas rocket attacks into Israel are themselves unacceptable, and must stop immediately, but the massive Israeli escalation of violence has already cost hundreds of civilian lives and is endangering thousands more.

The people of Gaza are subjected to an Israeli blockade that collectively punishes the civilian population. The humanitarian situation is dire and is becoming catastrophic as the Israeli bombardment is leaving more people without access to food and water and vital services such as sanitation.

I am deeply concerned at the ongoing human rights abuses by the Israeli forces in Gaza. I urge the Israeli authorities to ensure the protection of and relief for civilians in Gaza, as well as the protection of medical personnel. This must mean a complete halt of military operations to effectively bring in and distribute humanitarian aid, evacuate the wounded, and allow people to leave if they wish to do so as well as allowing unfettered access to Gaza to humanitarian and human rights monitors and observers.

Sincerely,

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