Dear [Elected Official’s Name],

Palestinians have been burnt alive in the latest bombing of displacement refugee tents in Gaza by Israel. In the early hours of 14th October, Israeli forces bombed tents in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital, marking the seventh attack on Al-Aqsa. The harrowing image of a young man engulfed by flames in his bed, still attached to an IV drip, will haunt me forever.

His name was Sha’ban Al Dalou, a 20-year-old student studying software engineering from his tent. His family were forcefully displaced last year after Israeli forces destroyed their home, and for months he had been raising funds to evacuate his family to Egypt. Just last week, Sha’ban miraculously survived an Israeli strike on a mosque that claimed 20 lives.

Sha’ban and his family were burned alive in their tent. In a haunting video, Sha’ban can be seen trying to extinguish the flames on his body before succumbing to the fire caused by the bomb.

Dr. Tahir, a volunteer surgeon at Al-Aqsa, described the unimaginable suffering he has witnessed: “It’s a horror show here. Honestly, sometimes I feel like this is not real life, that this degree of suffering is allowed to happen in this world.”

For a whole year, Israel has systematically targeted hospitals, schools, and residential areas in Gaza, wiping out entire families and erasing communities. The people of Gaza, trapped with nowhere to flee, continue to face this unrelenting assault. This violence, particularly against civilians seeking refuge in hospitals, is a violation of international law and constitutes a clear war crime.

Israel must be sanctioned. A full arms embargo and a two-way trade embargo must be enforced until Israel ceases its illegal occupation, blockade and human rights violations in the region; this will also add pressure for a ceasefire. Recognising the State of Palestine and supporting the prosecution of war crimes is essential.

I look forward to your commitment to upholding international law through these actions.

Your constituent,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]