Nearly 50 Democratic members of the United States Congress have urged President Donald Trump to take action regarding ongoing ceasefire violations in Gaza. The lawmakers called for the withholding of U.S. assistance to Israel if attacks on civilians continue, emphasizing that the current situation jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar in October 2023.
In a letter spearheaded by Representatives Mark Pocan and Madeleine Dean, the group highlighted serious concerns over Israel’s “bombardment against civilians, destruction of property, and insufficient delivery of humanitarian aid.” They stated, “It’s imperative that we hold the Israeli government accountable for its actions.” The representatives expressed a strong desire for the Trump administration to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on Israel to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
While acknowledging that Hamas has also violated the ceasefire, the lawmakers criticized Israel’s military response as “severe and disproportionate, resulting in massive loss of life.” The letter received support from various Jewish advocacy groups, including J Street, New Jewish Narrative, and Win Without War.
The situation in Gaza has escalated significantly, with recent reports indicating that Israeli military actions have resulted in over 411 fatalities and more than 1,112 injuries since the truce began. According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, there have been at least 875 violations by the Israeli military since the ceasefire took effect.
In addition to military actions, Israeli authorities have faced criticism for failing to fulfill their obligations to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. A mere 17,819 trucks of humanitarian supplies have entered the blockaded territory, far below the 43,800 that were stipulated for delivery to the population of approximately two million. This shortfall has led to severe shortages of essential resources, including adequate shelter, medicine, food, and fuel.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened, particularly in light of freezing temperatures and persistent rainfall, as highlighted by the media office’s recent announcement regarding the lack of shelter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump next week in Florida, raising questions about the future of U.S. support for Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the diplomatic landscape and efforts to restore a lasting peace in the region.
