To the editor:

Why, when a hospital in Kyiv is bombed by Russia, the United States government expresses outrage, but then sends more ammunition to Israel as it continues to bomb hospitals, schools and refugee camps in Gaza?

Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on innocent civilians in Israel was barbaric and cruel, and must be condemned. But bombing and displacing innocent Palestinian civilians, and blocking delivery of food, water and medicine to a population on the verge of famine must also be condemned. Almost 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Is it antisemitic to criticize the Israeli government?

In the United States and around the world there are growing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza joined by students, educators, health care professionals, rabbis, Holocaust survivors and prominent members of the Jewish community.

In Israel as well, many citizens are calling for a ceasefire and the return of all hostages. Many Israelis are calling for new elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose popularity is at an all-time low.

How is it possible that in spite of all this, the Biden administration maintains unconditional support for Israel’s actions? Moreover, Netanyahu has been invited to address a joint session of Congress providing him with a powerful political platform.

As the main source of military aid to Netanyahu’s war, a conflict benefitting no one, the United States could use its leverage to call for an immediate ceasefire, and broker further peace and diplomacy, an act not only desirable, but the only possible future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Muriel Cohan,

Lawrence