I am contacting you to express my grave concern over reports that Israel is planning to launch an imminent ground invasion of Gaza.
The Israeli government says that the invasion is a reaction to the firing of rockets into Israel from Gaza, which have reportedly killed one Israeli in the southern town of Sderot. It is misleading, however, to isolate the rocket attacks from Israel's earlier killing of five members of Hamas in southern Gaza on February 27, the sealing off of Gaza, and the broader context of ongoing oppression in which Palestinians are forced to live. This includes violence, humiliation and encroachment on Palestinian lands by the Israeli military and extremist Israeli settlers. It is clear that within this situation a ground invasion or a continuation of air strikes by Israel will only lead to a further escalation in violence.
Israel's Deputy Defence Minister reportedly declared on February 29 that by firing rockets into Israel from Gaza, the Palestinians "are bringing upon themselves a greater Shoah because we will use all our strength in every way we deem appropriate, whether in air strikes or on the ground." I find it extremely shocking that such a highly placed Israeli official would use the word "Shoah", normally used only to describe the genocide inflicted on the Jewish people during World War II, when articulating Israeli intentions toward the Palestinians. It is particularly disturbing considering the many Palestinians who have already lost their lives as a result of Israeli military actions in recent days. At least 55 Palestinians, including small children, have been killed over the past three days, with the toll rising to more than 200 over the past three months. In contrast, only one Israeli has been killed by Palestinians in the same time period.
The BBC reports that a recent opinion poll indicates that a majority of Israelis favour a truce with Hamas ("New Israeli raids on Gaza kill 24," http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7272329.stm). I urge you to heed the voices of those in Israel and abroad who are calling for a peaceful solution to the current crisis by immediately ceasing military operations in Gaza. I also urge you to take concrete action to secure long-term peace for all people in Israel and Palestine by committing your government to sincere and ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinian people.
最後の段落 The BBC reports that a recent opinion poll indicates that a majority of Israelis favour a truce with Hamas ("New Israeli raids on Gaza kill 24," http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7272329.stm). I urge you and your government to heed the voices of those in Israel and abroad who are calling for a peaceful solution to the current crisis by immediately ceasing military operations in Gaza. I also urge you to take concrete action to secure long-term peace for all people in Israel and Palestine by committing to sincere and ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinian people.
最後の段落 The BBC reports that a recent opinion poll indicates that a majority of Israelis favour a truce with Hamas ("New Israeli raids on Gaza kill 24," http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7272329.stm). I urge you to call on the Israeli government to: 1) heed the voices of those in Israel and abroad who are calling for a peaceful solution to the current crisis and immediately cease military operations in Gaza; 2) take concrete action to secure long-term peace for all people in Israel and Palestine by committing to sincere and ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinian people.