PALESTINE

Problem

For 75+ years, Palestinians have lived under occupation, displacement, and denial of basic human rights.

This is not a “conflict of equals.”

This is a militarized system that perpetuates domination and creates an escalating humanitarian crisis.

The Human Toll

25,000+ Palestinians killed in recent assaults in Gaza
Thousands are still missing under rubble.
7,000+ children killed — families erased
60,000 injured, many without care
1.9 million displaced — 85% of Gaza’s population
500,000 people are facing famine due to the blockade
Homes, hospitals, schools, power stations, and press offices were destroyed.

Occupation & Apartheid

Gaza has been sealed by an air, sea, and land blockade since 2007
The West Bank is cut apart by:
- Armed settlements
- Roadblocks
- Military raids
- Home demolitions
- Arrest without charge
Palestinians live under two legal systems — one for settlers, one for them.

Global Human Rights Consensus

Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
B’Tselem
United Nations
All have characterized the situation as meeting the criteria for apartheid under international law.
International legal experts have expressed grave concerns regarding possible violations, including ethnic cleansing and genocide.

U.S. Complicity

$3.8B/year in military aid fuels Israeli aggression
U.S. weapons used in strikes on:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Media towers
- Refugee camps
U.S. vetoes a block ceasefire and accountability in the UN

This represents a multi-faceted crisis with moral, legal, and humanitarian ramifications, with significant U.S. funding.

Solutions

1. Permanent, immediate ceasefire

Policy:

Binding ceasefire resolution
End all offensive military actions in Gaza & the West Bank.
Protect humanitarian corridors

Impact:

Stops the killing now and prevents further mass death

2. End U.S. weapons and military aid

Policy:

Freeze all military assistance to Israel.
Ban weapons transfers, spare parts, and technology support.
Require full human-rights compliance before any aid resumes.

Impact:

The U.S. stops financing destruction

3. Lift the blockade

Policy:

End Gaza’s land, sea, and air blockade.
Restore access to:
- Food
- Water
- Electricity
- Fuel
- Medical supply chains
- Travel and trade
Guarantee Palestinian freedom of movement.

Impact:

Life becomes possible again

4. End the occupation

Policy:

Dismantle unlawful settlements
Remove military control of the West Bank & East Jerusalem.
Halt land seizures and home demolitions.
Tear down the apartheid wall.
Ensure return and compensation for families displaced.

Impact:

Restores Palestinian self-governance, security, and restoration of homes and communities.

5. Recognize Palestinian sovereignty

Policy:

Diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state
Restore aid to UNRWA.
Support democratic Palestinian governance chosen by Palestinians.
Protect cultural and religious rights — especially in Jerusalem.

Impact:

Enables Palestinian leadership, international support, and protection of rights in daily life.

6. Protect Palestinian civilians everywhere

Policy:

Enforce international law on allies, not just adversaries.
Expand refugee protections and visas.
Demand accountability for:
- War crimes
- Targeting of journalists, medics, and families
- Collective punishment

Impact:

Human safety takes priority over geopolitics

Bottom Line

This is not a “conflict.”

This is a human rights crisis with significant U.S. involvement.

Fixing it requires:

Ceasefire
Ending U.S. military support
Lifting the blockade
Ending the occupation
Recognizing Palestinian sovereignty
Protecting civilians and enforcing international law

Palestinians are entitled to security, dignity, property, and liberty—rights supported by U.S. values and policy principles.

Choosing to prioritize justice, legality, and humanitarian needs in policy decisions makes progress toward peace and equity possible.

Until Palestinians are free, none of us stands on moral ground.