Five Senators urge US administration to launch Gaza relief operation

Washington DC (Quds News Network) – The Washington Post has published a letter from five Democratic Senators urging the United States to immediately launch what they termed as the “Gaza Relief Operation.”

They expressed concern over the lack of a meaningful response to President Biden’s calls to the Netanyahu government for humanitarian aid, emphasizing Washington’s role as the largest provider of military assistance to Israel, which was used in its genocide campaign against the Gaza Strip.

The Senators, including Jeff Merkley, Dick Durbin, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch, stated that the responsibility lies with Washington, given its immense maritime capabilities for delivering aid. They suggested that the U.S. might be the only country allowed by Israel to coordinate direct assistance to Gaza.

The five lawmakers criticized the Israeli government’s chosen war strategy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that it had a tremendous and unacceptable impact on Palestinian civilians.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli airstrikes have led to the death of over 28,000 Palestinians, with more than 70% being women and children. Many others have suffered serious injuries, and the severe shortage of medicines, food, water, shelter, along with power and communication outages, has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe.

The senators stressed that American values dictate providing life-saving humanitarian support to Gaza. They condemned the bombing campaigns causing significant civilian casualties, emphasizing their coordination of aid to assist those in need. Due to the close partnership with Israel, they emphasized the need for swift action in Gaza.

Despite the administration urging Israel to significantly expand aid and pursuing diplomatic strategies for a ceasefire, both approaches have failed, and the senators argue that Palestinians cannot wait any longer.

The lawmakers outlined four key roles that the United States should play in the Gaza Relief Operation:

Firstly, immediate provision of essential medicines and medical equipment to address the urgent healthcare needs of thousands of injured Palestinians.

Secondly, the urgent delivery of food aid to prevent imminent famine, and providing fuel to restart bakeries and cooking facilities.

Thirdly, addressing the severe water crisis, particularly concerning contaminated water leading to widespread diseases, and ensuring desalination plants have the required fuel to operate.

Lastly, providing safe shelter, as the Netanyahu government targeted Palestinian sites that later became subject to military attacks. Coordination with Israel and the United Nations is essential to establish safe emergency shelters in agreed-upon areas.

The U.S. lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing that to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Washington must continue to pressure for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. However, given the challenging circumstances, they stressed the necessity of the Gaza Relief Operation, asserting that American values demand swift action.

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