United Voices, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices for disenfranchised communities, strongly condemns Israel’s “self-declared war crimes” and calls on the Biden administration to oppose the ongoing atrocities committed against the civilian population of Gaza. The Israeli government’s recent public statement, wherein Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a “complete siege” on Gaza, along with an escalated bombing campaign, has resulted in the murder of at least 1,000 Palestinians, including over 200 children.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly stated

“I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals, and we act accordingly.”

This public statement, labeling the residents of Gaza as “human animals” and outlining a plan to subject the entire population to a “complete siege,” is deeply troubling and indicative of genocidal intent.

Moreover, the Israeli government openly admitted today to ceasing the practice of firing warning shots at apartment buildings before destroying them, leaving residents inside and unaware of the impending attacks. Such actions raise serious concerns about the disregard for civilian lives and the violation of international humanitarian law.

[Quote from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres] “I am deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to impose a full Gaza siege.”

This flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention, which mandates the free passage of medical supplies, food, and relief supplies for the benefit of civilian populations, is exacerbated by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which classifies intentionally using starvation as a method of warfare as a war crime.

United Voices emphasizes, “The international community cannot stand idly by as the Israeli government, through its own officials, openly admits to committing war crimes and engaging in collective punishment against the people of Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s statement is not only a disgrace but a violation of fundamental human rights. Allowing Netanyahu’s administration to continue these egregious actions without consequence undermines the principles of justice and international law.

United Voices firmly rejects attacks on civilians, and just as the Biden administration condemned the attacks on civilians on October 7th, they must condemn the bombardment of civilians in Gaza. The Biden administration must not justify the targeting of civilians in Gaza as Israel defending itself. Self-defense is not the bombing of schools, hospitals, bakeries, and residential apartment buildings.

United Voices calls on the Biden administration to act decisively, uphold the values of human dignity, and work towards a just and peaceful resolution to end the suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.”