Select a subject line, or write your own: Settlers Raid and Torch Palestinian Homes in West Bank / Settler Violence in the West Bank as Gaza Death Toll Rises / Israel Bombs West Bank and Settlers Torch Palestinian Homes / Israel Must Comply with ICJ: Violence in the West Bank
Dear [Elected Official’s Name],
I am writing to express my alarm over the continued escalation of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, where illegal settlers, shielded by Israeli forces, have raided six villages, torching homes, farms, and vehicles. Far-right Israeli social media groups had openly circulated calls for these rampages.
The Israeli rights group Yesh Din stated “Once again, the army is doing nothing to prevent settler violence. This time, too, the writing was on the wall, and notices calling for riots in the villages were distributed publicly among settlers.”
Settler violence is a near-daily occurrence in the illegally occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Israeli military forces killed three Palestinians on January 7th, including two in Tammoun after fighter jets bombed the town. Medics were then blocked from assisting the wounded, a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
As the death toll in Gaza is estimated to have surpassed 200,000, Israeli authorities have seized 262,000 square meters of Palestinian land in the West Bank this week, annexing it into illegal settlements. These actions are part of a systematic strategy to displace Palestinians and entrench apartheid policies.
The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that Israel must end its illegal occupation and practices of apartheid,and dismantle settlements. Yet, Israel continues to act with impunity, violating international law and United Nations resolutions.
You must sanction Israel for repeatedly violating international law. Sanctions have proven effective in halting egregious human rights abuses in other contexts; they must be applied here. This includes a ban on weapons and military equipment sales and licenses, a two-way trade embargo and severing diplomatic ties. We must also officially recognise the state of Palestine to affirm their right to self-determination.
Your constituent,
[Full Name]
[Full Address]
