Dear John,

Earlier today, the Israeli military dropped leaflets on Gaza telling residents to flee eastern Rafah and warning of an imminent invasion. Rafah is one of the last areas of Gaza that the Israeli military has not yet invaded. It is also a declared safe zone and the center for all humanitarian aid distribution. Almost the entire population of Gaza was displaced into Rafah and now has nowhere left to flee. Our staff and their families are among them.

Take action: Urge Congress to demand an immediate cease-fire. [link removed]

For weeks international actors have tried to negotiate a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. The sticking point in the negotiations has been Israel’s insistence that it must invade Rafah and its refusal to agree to a permanent cease-fire. The U.S. and other international actors have spoken out against any possible invasion of Rafah, but Israel continues to move forward with its invasion plans.

Today Hamas said that it has accepted a cease-fire deal, but Israel has said that it does not accept the same terms. Pressure must be put on Israel to accept a permanent cease-fire.

Urgent action must be taken to prevent any attack on Rafah. [link removed]

The World Food Program recently declared that the north of Gaza is experiencing famine. Any attack on Rafah will only exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe. More than 1.4 million Palestinians, including over 600,000 children, are now crammed into Rafah. An attack on Rafah could kill thousands more than the 35,000 people who have already been killed.

Despite being displaced multiple times themselves, AFSC’s team in Gaza has distributed aid to nearly 600,000 people across Gaza. Since late December, we have been serving hot meals from an open-air kitchen to displaced people living outside of shelters. We have provided families with water, food parcels, and fresh vegetables. We have distributed hygiene kits to women and seniors, among other critical supplies. And we have been hosting activities for children and teens.

Diplomacy and respecting international law, not militarism, are the way forward for ending violence and saving lives. Our elected officials must act now to prevent further genocide. Urge them to demand a stop to this invasion, an immediate and permanent cease-fire, and an end to all U.S. military aid to Israel.

Your voice is needed now: Please send a message today. [link removed]

Thank you for your support.
In peace,

Mike Merryman-Lotze
Just Peace Global Policy Director

TAKE ACTION [link removed]

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

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