Dear Representative <insert name here>:

As your constituent, I urge you to call for an immediate end to the illegal Israeli blockade in Gaza.

Collective punishment is always counterproductive and only serves to block moves toward a just resolution of any conflict.

Gaza’s civilian population is already suffering from economic hardship, which according to the World Bank, is primarily a result of being cut off from the rest of the world by Israel. Seventy-nine percent of Gaza households live under the poverty line, 40 percent suffer from unemployment. Almost half the population in the Gaza Strip is made up of children.

According to the Human Rights Watch World Report 2007, "Israel [retains] effective day-to-day control over most key aspects of life in Gaza, including ingress and egress and thus the economy."

Without power, hospitals, water facilities and other crucial lifelines may completely shut off and homes may be left without heat, further plunging Gaza into disarray.

Because American taxpayers provide Israel with billions of dollars of economic support each year, we have the right to demand that those funds not be used to increase human suffering.

American silence on this issue will only serve to increase the perception worldwide that our nation cares little for the suffering of the Palestinian people. This perception that the U.S. abets cruel and inhumane treatment of civilian populations provides fodder for anti-Americanism that may threaten the security of the United States.

I and other constituents in your district, hope you will call for an immediate end to the illegal Israeli blockade in Gaza which is affecting the lives of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.

I appreciate your time in reading this letter. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this vital issue.

Sincerely,

<insert constituent print name and signature and home address>