About a dozen protestors descended on Dick Durbin's office this morning demanding to speak with the senator in person or by phone. They insisting that he speak out against the continuing Israeli assault on Gaza and call on Israel to open Gaza's borders for the passage of humanitarian aid and fleeing refugees. Maureen Murphy is a member of the Palestine Solidarity Group, one of at least seven peace groups involved in the protest:

Murphy: And we also call on Senator Durbin to initiate legislation to investigate whether Israel is in violation of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976.

Murphy sites the report by Human Rights Watch that documented use of the chemical weapon, White Phosphorus as another reason for the senator to take urgent action.

Murphy: We wanted Sen. Durbin to join the chorus of international organizations that are calling for an immediate embargo of arms to Israel while it is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Senator Durbin's office did not return phone calls for comment, however Murphy said that two staffers met with them and would send them Mr. Durbin's position on the matter. From Chicago Indymedia, this is Rita Sand