1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, now entering its third month, has pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. Disturbing reports indicate soaring rates of acute child malnutrition, soup kitchens running out of food, and families resorting to contaminated scraps to survive. This man-made crisis is unconscionable and must be addressed with urgent action. The blockade violates international law and cuts off a civilian population from basic necessities, amounting to the use of starvation as a weapon of war - a war crime. While complex political dynamics are at play, the moral imperative transcends any strategic considerations. Continuing to enable this blockade makes us complicit in immense human suffering. We cannot remain idle bystanders to such a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding.