53 House Democrats call on Biden to pressure ‘Israel’ to end siege on Gaza
Washington (QNN)- 53 House Democrats called on the Biden administration to put pressure on Egypt and the occupation state to deliver aid into Gaza and end the siege.
In a letter sent to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, the lawmakers warned of the grim humanitarian situation in Gaza citing concerns over the prevention of materials entering the besieged enclave months after the latest Israeli aggression, which left a devastating humanitarian toll.
“The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is untenable. Ensuring that Palestinians residing in Gaza receive humanitarian aid is vital to securing the wellbeing of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents,” read the letter, led by Congressman Mark Pocan and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.
Today I sent, along with @RepDebDingell & 51 of our colleagues, a letter to @SecBlinken urging him to work with his counterparts to ensure humanitarian aid is able to get into Gaza, and help the 1.3 million Palestinians who are being deprived of their basic human needs. pic.twitter.com/1O5izFG6Ix
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) August 18, 2021
The lawmakers added that the humanitarian situation in the heavy-populated strip has been “exacerbated by the recent hostilities between Hamas and Israel” and “left an estimated 1.3 million Palestinians in need of humanitarian assistance.”
“Unfortunately the recent Israeli air campaign in Gaza has only worsened living conditions, inflicting $380 million in damage to the beleaguered strip and necessitating $485 million in immediate humanitarian and reconstruction aid.”
The letter also slammed the lack of clarity over what construction materials are allowed into Gaza, citing that Israel can “selectively ban materials that it considers having ‘dual use’—any item it claims could have a military application”.
“We urge you to work with your counterparts to provide clear guidance on the materials allowed into the Gaza Strip,” the lawmakers told Blinken.
They also urged for extending Gaza’s fishing zone to 20 nautical miles, after the occupation state temporarily moved to restrict it to six nautical miles.
