Thanks for joining us for Part 2 of our series: Every Life Matters: A Three-Part Series on Israel, Palestine, and U.S. Responsibility.
Yesterday, in Part 1, we addressed a difficult but necessary truth: criticizing a government’s actions is not hatred toward a people or a faith.1 Asking questions about U.S. military support, civilian harm, and accountability is not about choosing sides—it is about standing up for human dignity and the protection of innocent lives.
Today, we turn to the West Bank, where rising violence, displacement, and human rights concerns demand our attention. Behind every headline are real people, real families, and real lives affected by decisions made by those in power.
This conversation is not easy. But silence helps no one.
Friends,
The suffering of Palestinian civilians is not limited to Gaza.
Across the occupied West Bank, international organizations have documented rising concerns about settler violence, displacement, property destruction, movement restrictions, and the impact these conditions have on Palestinian families.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported concerns about increased violence by Israeli settlers and security forces, including attacks affecting Palestinian communities and property. UN officials have called for action to prevent further violence and protect civilians.2
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has also documented a sharp increase in incidents involving casualties or property damage connected to settler violence in the West Bank.3
Behind every statistic is a human story.
A family worried about whether they can safely return home.
A farmer afraid to reach their land.
A child growing up surrounded by fear instead of security.
Human rights are not reserved for one group of people.
The safety and freedom of Israeli civilians matter.
The safety and freedom of Palestinian civilians matter.
Protecting one does not require ignoring the other.
This is why conversations about U.S. military support matter. The United States has influence because of its relationship with Israel, including its security assistance. Many Americans believe that relationship should include expectations around protecting civilians, following international law, and ensuring that U.S. resources are not used in ways that contribute to human suffering.
Others argue that Israel faces serious security threats and that military assistance is necessary to protect Israeli citizens. Those views are part of an ongoing public debate.
But one principle should not be controversial:
Children should not be targets.
Families should not be disposable.
Human suffering should never be ignored because the victims are politically inconvenient.
People Power United has always believed that accountability matters.
That belief guided our previous statements on Israel and Palestine. It guided our calls to condemn terrorism, protect civilians, and seek a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live with safety, freedom, and dignity.
Speaking up for Palestinian human rights is not antisemitism.
Speaking up against antisemitism is not a reason to ignore Palestinian suffering.
We can reject hatred in all forms while demanding that governments and leaders be accountable for the choices they make.
A commitment to human dignity cannot depend on nationality, religion, or politics.
Because protecting human life is not a political trend.
It is a human obligation.
Take Action» Expose Israel’s Violence and Human Rights Abuses in the West Bank
Take Action» Block Trump’s Sale of Bombs to the Israeli Military
Why the Grassroots Resistance Can’t Wait
People Power United members believe change is possible because we have seen ordinary people rise, organize, and be a force for progress. Real change does not come from waiting politely, staying quiet, or hoping those in power suddenly grow a conscience. It comes when people speak out, show up, and demand action—because our communities and families cannot wait, and every moment we delay gives injustice more room to tighten its grip on our communities.
Thanks for taking action!
If this informed or inspired you, tap ❤️, comment, or share. Every interaction helps more people find this work and builds people power together.
Millions of us have already shown what people power looks like when we stand together. On October 17, we take the next step: No Kings: Vote Early.
Across the country, communities have filled streets and public spaces to defend our rights, freedoms, and democracy. Those moments reminded us of a powerful truth:
We are not powerless. And we are not alone.
Now we carry that energy from the streets to the ballot box.
Voting early is one of the simplest ways to make sure our voices are counted while helping our friends, families, and neighbors create their own voting plans.
On October 17, communities nationwide will come together for No Kings: Vote Early.
Whether you have joined every No Kings action or this is your first time stepping forward, there is a place for you.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
📍 Find a No Kings: Vote Early event near you
🙋 Host a No Kings: Vote Early event
Can’t find an event near you? Bring one to your community. Gather your neighbors. Help make sure every voice is heard.
Laurie Woodward Garcia leads People Power United, a people-powered news source and movement community championing our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy.
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Criticizing a Government Is Not Hating a People
Today’s piece comes from a deeply personal place for me. I believe we can condemn Hamas, grieve for Israeli families, stand with Palestinian civilians, and still ask hard questions about how U.S. wea…
https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-report-7-may-2026
https://www.un.org/unispal/document/ocha-un-reports-pace-of-settler-violence-highest-on-record
Perhaps consider tempering your opinions here. Israel and Judaism are deeply intertwined—without the nation, the continuity of the people as it exists today would look very different.
On the question of human rights violations, it's worth looking inward before assigning blame. Since taking administrative control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has run a parallel governing system, funding its operations partly through taxes on commercial goods entering via the Rafah crossing with Egypt and the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel.
There is too much hatred in this world. Power? Greed? Thinking that one group is better than the other? Violence and war are not the solutions. What happenedcto talking about your differences, wants and needs to come to a solution that is beneficial for all? Many of those in power have become evil monsters instead of leaders. We all know who they are. It's time that they become humans again and start caring for their people but not at the expense of others!!!