Summer Lee signs letter supporting flotilla, accusing Israel of ‘genocide’

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, who represents Squirrel Hill, is one of 19 House Democrats who signed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing Israel of genocide and demanding that the U.S. protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.

The letter accuses the Jewish state of perpetrating a “forced starvation” of the Palestinian people.

“The law is clear: any attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla or its civilians is a clear and blatant violation of international law,” the congress members wrote. “The United States has an obligation to protect its citizens from foreign attack. We call on you to deter any further hostile actions against the flotilla and ensure the successful completion of its humanitarian mission.”

Thank you to @RepRashida and the 18 other members of Congress who signed this letter demanding safe passage to for the Global Sumud Flotilla that is delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and calling for an end to the Israeli government's genocide and blockade in Gaza. https://t.co/LWkx4JpYkP

— Jewish Voice for Peace Action (@JvpAction) September 29, 2025

“Above all else,” the letter reads, “we urge you to address the issue at the root of this voyage: the brutal Israeli blockade and genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

The 47-boat Global Sumud Flotilla is set to reach the Gaza Strip this week. It is carrying over 500 protesters, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, as well as parliamentarians and lawyers.

Hamas documents recovered by Israeli troops in Gaza allegedly reveal the terror group’s “direct involvement” in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, The Times of Israel reported on Sept. 30.

According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the documents “show a direct link between the flotilla leaders and the Hamas terrorist organization,” especially the group’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians. PJC