Durbin Speaks Out On Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza, Calls On Netanyahu To Allow Aid Into Gaza
Last week, Durbin joined his Senate colleagues to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to remove restrictions and security challenges that are preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering food and supplies to those starving in Gaza
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as reports detail dire food shortages and increased violence at food distribution sites. Last week, more than 100 NGOs, including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam, reiterated the severity of the crisis, warning that mass starvation is spreading across Gaza.
“Quite simply, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling, unconscionable, and cruel,” Durbin began. “Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population in Gaza is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger. The tiniest of babies cannot even access formula and risk heartbreaking death.”
Durbin denounced the actions of Hamas and the horrendous attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and he further called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to take a measured approach and to release critical aid to those starving in Gaza.
“Yes, Hamas started this conflict in a heinous attack on Israel. Yes, Hamas is still unconscionably holding hostages. And yes, Hamas cynically uses civilians as human shields and brutally represses brave Gazans who are protesting for an end to this [Hamas’] despicable rule,” Durbin said. “But I have repeatedly appealed to Israel… be careful of decisions made in the fog of rage, pain, and loss and recognize there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group.”
“Let me be clear. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and a lack of a viable plan and the humanitarian fiasco have been glaring mistakes, getting worse by the day,” Durbin said.
Last week, Durbin joined five of his Senate colleagues in releasing a statement calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to remove restrictions and security challenges that are preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering food and supplies to those starving in Gaza. Further, the Senators called on the Trump Administration to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases all hostages; to support a surge in humanitarian assistance from credible humanitarian organizations; and create a framework for a viable path toward a two-state solution that brings regional powers to help manage and rebuild Gaza.
“You cannot watch these scenes on television of these children emaciated because of their starvation, other children begging with pans for just a little bit of food to survive, and believe this is the right course of action. It has to end,” Durbin said. “The humanitarian aid has to start immediately. It is within Israel’s capability to do that. There is no excuse if they don’t.”
“I know the dilemma that Israel faces with the attacks on October 7, on innocent Israelis. I saw the videotape. Hamas was outrageous in their conduct in this invasion of Israel. But it’s reached a point now where Israel has to show some leadership. I don’t know what Prime Minister Netanyahu is waiting for, but if he witnesses what we do in the United States, from organizations across the world begging us to do something, to join them in stopping this humanitarian disaster, perhaps his heart will soften,” Durbin concluded his remarks.
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
Yesterday Durbin also joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to press the Trump Administration for answers on the deadly and chaotic Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) operations. In their letterto Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Durbin and his colleagues called on the Trump Administration to restore support for existing United Nations aid distribution mechanisms.
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