1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza has created an unconscionable humanitarian crisis. It is unacceptable for Israel to collectively punish the civilian population by depriving them of basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies. This amounts to using starvation as a weapon of war, which is a violation of international law. Over 3,000 aid trucks are waiting to deliver lifesaving assistance, yet Israel obstructs their passage. Hospitals are running out of essential medicines, leaving the sick and injured without access to care. Children are going malnourished as food stocks dwindle. This cruelty cannot continue. Israel must immediately lift the blockade and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The lives of millions of innocent civilians hang in the balance. Upholding human rights and preventing further suffering must take precedence over any military objectives. The human cost is too high a price to pay.