Washington, DC – June 30, 2025, In a significant bipartisan move, 19 members of the U.S. Congress, led by Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), have penned a letter to the Trump Administration, calling for immediate action to halt what they describe as the “mass starvation of Gaza” and the killing of hungry Palestinians by Israeli forces. The letter, released late Monday, highlights growing international alarm over the humanitarian crisis in the region and demands an end to the ongoing blockade.
The correspondence, signed by a mix of House members and senators including Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Richard Durbin (D-IL), comes amid escalating tensions. The lawmakers urge the administration to pressure Israel to lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of civilians seeking assistance. The letter cites recent reports of violence, including a UN rights office statement from June 24, 2025, which documented at least 410 Palestinian deaths near private aid distribution hubs—incidents potentially constituting war crimes.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from global humanitarian organizations. Mercy Corps issued a stark warning on December 29, 2024, indicating that catastrophic hunger threatens over half a million people in Gaza due to restricted aid access. An Independent International Commission of Inquiry, reporting in early 2025, suggested that Israel might be employing starvation as a method of warfare—a charge vehemently denied by both the Israeli government and the outgoing Biden Administration.
Compounding the situation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed initiative launched on May 27, 2025, has taken over aid distribution, bypassing traditional UN channels. While the GHF claims to have distributed millions of meals, its operations have sparked controversy. Critics, including UN officials, argue that the foundation’s ties to the Trump Administration and Israel risk politicizing aid and compromising safety, especially following reports of violence at its Rafah distribution site.
Historical Context and Conflicting Narratives
The letter reignites long-standing debates over aid in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly alleged that Hamas diverts humanitarian supplies for military use, a claim first raised in January 2024 and contested by UN and U.S. officials. Meanwhile, the GHF asserts it has delivered nearly 50 million meals without funds reaching Hamas, countering accusations of mismanagement.
Representative Tlaib emphasized the urgency, stating, “The world cannot stand by as innocent lives are lost to hunger and violence. This administration must act decisively to ensure aid reaches those in need.” The letter’s release has already drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the lawmakers’ humanitarian stance, while others, including pro-Israel voices, question the omission of calls for Hamas to release hostages.
As the Trump Administration reviews the letter, international pressure mounts. The coming days will be critical as stakeholders await a response to what many are calling a pivotal moment in addressing the Gaza humanitarian emergency.