By Rachel Stratman

Eleven days after operation Cast Lead was implemented by Israel in the Gaza strip the casualty count is growing and the majority are women and children. During air raids a UN controlled elementary school was hit killing 40 and injuring dozens more. This attack was one of three on U.N. school properties. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brig. General Avi Benayahu said after the incident. “We face a very delicate situation where the Hamas is using the citizens of Gaza as a protective vest,” It is no surprise that both sides will blame the other for why innocent women and children are being killed in these attacks, but the fact remains the numbers are climbing. In this CNN video, a Gaza hospital is overflowing with casualties including whole families.

The attacks have proved to be unsuccessful only targeting military buildings and hideouts. Both sides insist they will not back down while the UN and many countries plea for a cease fire. It is important to call for an immediate cease fire for both sides and not single out one side against the other. Congress will be voting on a resolution and it is important to takepart and urge your congressman to speak out for ceasefire in Gaza.