U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison is pressing President Obama to ramp up diplomatic efforts to reach a cease-fire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a letter to Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, Ellison and several other House Democrats call for an immediate end to the "cycle of violence" in the region.

"Past experience indicates that the current conflict will likely end with a new cease-fire. Ground troops, air strikes, and rockets do not lead to permanent peace in the Middle East," the letter reads. "The United States government, together with international partners, must redouble our efforts to urge all parties to avoid further loss of life on both sides by coming to a cease-fire."

The lawmakers praised Israel for its "willingness to agree to the terms of the [cease-fire] agreement" proposed by Egypt, which Hamas has rejected. Their letter also criticizes Hamas for "indiscriminately launching thousands of rockets into Israel."

The lawmakers also urge the Obama administration to reopen peace talks in the Middle East.

"Additional diplomacy is necessary to save lives and create lasting peace," the lawmakers write. "… a final status agreement in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security is urgent and necessary."