Nine Palestinian Americans have sued the US government, alleging that it had failed to rescue them or members of their families who were trapped in Gaza where Israel’s offensive has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, Reuters reports.

The lawsuit accuses the State Department of discriminating against Americans of Palestinian origin by abandoning them in a conflict zone and not making the same effort that it would to promptly evacuate and protect Americans of different origins in similar situations.

It was the second case against the US government this week after Palestinian families sued the US State Department on Tuesday over Washington’s support for Israel’s military.

A US State Department spokesperson said the department does not comment on pending litigation, while adding the safety and security of American citizens around the world is a “top priority”.

Yesterday’s lawsuit was announced by advocacy group Council on American Islamic Relations and attorney Maria Kari, and filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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