Rep. Bera Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza: 

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. There is widespread starvation and the crisis is worsening with each passing day. This level of human suffering is unacceptable and demands urgent action.

"Israel must work expeditiously to ensure that life-saving aid reaches Palestinian civilians, including the safe and sustained delivery of food, water, and medicine. The United States must continue working with Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the broader international community to dramatically scale up humanitarian aid and ensure it reaches those most in need.

"At the same time, Hamas must end this war, release all hostages, and accept a ceasefire agreement. Its continued refusal to negotiate in good faith is prolonging the conflict and inflicting immense harm on the Palestinian people.

"This crisis did not happen overnight. The warning signs have been flashing since the early weeks of this war. In December 2023, I introduced a House resolution calling for the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. As recently as May, I led a letter to the Trump Administration urging the immediate resumption and expansion of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as conditions on the ground continued to worsen.

"These warnings have not been sufficiently heeded. The Israeli government has not done enough to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the United States must do more to lead a coordinated international response that prioritizes the protection of innocent Palestinian civilians.

"Failure to meet this moment will not only deepen the suffering of the Palestinian people, but also further erode Israel’s international standing and long-term security. The choices made now will shape the prospects for peace and stability in the region for years to come."