We call on Congress to help uphold a basic human right and help to end the violence in Gaza. Everyone has the right to peacefully demonstrate without fear of violent reprisal.

As Senator Bernie Sanders tweeted: “The killing of Palestinian demonstrators by Israeli forces in Gaza is tragic. It is the right of all people to protest for a better future without a violent response.”

During his appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" Sen. Sanders said, "From what my understanding is, you have tens and tens of thousands of people who are engaged in a nonviolent protest. I believe now 15 or 20 people, Palestinians, have been killed and many, many others have been wounded. So I think it's a difficult situation, but my assessment is that Israel overreacted on that.”

We urge Congress to promptly evaluate Israeli actions, and determine whether US aid was used in these deadly reprisals against peaceful demonstrators in violation of US law.

We further urge Congress members to take leadership on this matter so that Congress requires the President to determine if Israeli actions violate the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Title II of Pub.L. 94–329, 90 Stat. 729, 22 U.S.C.ch. 39) which requires international governments receiving weapons from the United States to use the armaments for legitimate self-defense.

Finally, we call on Congress members to demand that Israel to refrain from any violent action against nonviolent protesters—and to seek effective means to enforce US law, including by decreasing US aid to Israel.