I am writing to express my deep alarm regarding Israel’s recent bombardment of Rafah, known as “the last safe zone” in Gaza, where over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge. The UN has issued a warning of potential mass atrocities if this offensive is allowed to continue. This is why I urge Rep. Annie Kuster, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and Sen. Maggie Hassan to oppose any further transfer of weapons of war, which would only intensify this already terrible conflict. Instead, they must publicly advocate for a permanent ceasefire, regional de-escalation, and the upholding of international law to prevent further civilian harm. Prioritizing the protection of all civilians, they must work towards increasing humanitarian access, fully funding UNRWA (the U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees), and securing a deal to ensure the safe release of all Israeli hostages.

Having personally experienced the horrors of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I have witnessed firsthand losing loved ones and being forced to leave everything behind searching for a safe space. This is a pain I still carry and one that I will never forget. It is truly heartbreaking that people continue to lose their lives, and I am disheartened that our government continues to send weapons to perpetuate this conflict. What is the future of our safety when our country continues to destroy the world? More war is not the answer. In truth, there is no military resolution to this crisis. Only when the guns fall silent for good can we begin to address the fundamental causes of the conflict. Without this, there would only be more war in the future.

Fisto Ndayishimiye

Concord