On December 27th, Israel launched an "all-out war" on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. With 1.5 million people, the Gaza Strip is one of the most densely crowded areas in the world, and artillery, tank and missile fire can easily cause civilian casualties and deaths.

At least a quarter to one-third of deaths to date have been civilians. And unlike other conflicts where there's a chance to flee the war zone, Gaza itself has become the war zone. There's nowhere else for the population to go.

One example is the recent Israeli attack near a United Nations school in Gaza, killing at least 30 among the hundreds who had sought refuge at the school from the fighting.

Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks, but this "war" is a disproportionate response, placing thousands of civilians at risk of injury and death. So far, Israel has resisted international calls for a ceasefire. Please urge the U.S. to use its influence to convince Israel to agree to a ceasefire.