The president of the university I attend just sent out a lamentable statement to the entire school regarding the recent events in Palestine. For what it’s worth, here is my response:

Dear President Jessup,

I am sure you are receiving numerous responses to this email from a number of perspectives. Nonetheless, I feel I must contribute mine.

I understand your condemnation of the Hamas attacks. I am, however, disheartened by your failure to condemn Israel’s response to the attacks. What is happening in Gaza is more than a “humanitarian crisis,” as if it were struck by a natural disaster. Israel is carrying out war crimes, such as the forcible transfer of populations, a total siege and blockade of food, water and fuel, the use of white phosphorous, the bombings of civilian, media, and medical targets, and the killing thus far of at least 1,900 people, including 614 children.