“To prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories, we urge an immediate ceasefire,” the statement said. Its signatories include the prominent senators Amy Klobuchar, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Chris Murphy, Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren. Mr Murphy also issued a separate statement with Republican Todd Young in which they called for a “quick ceasefire”. The Biden administration has blocked UN efforts to issue a statement on a possible truce. On Friday, 12 Jewish members of Congress were the first to call on President Joe Biden’s administration to pursue a truce.