End Gaza blockade, allow urgent humanitarian aid access

Humanitarian aid must urgently reach those in desperate need in Gaza. The situation there is dire, with only a fraction of the required supplies getting through despite repeated calls from the UN and US government. Israel's blockade is causing immense suffering, leaving families without adequate food, medicine, and shelter amidst the destruction from over a year of conflict. International law demands that all parties allow unimpeded humanitarian access. This catastrophic situation demands immediate action. The US ultimatum to Israel last month underscored the gravity of the crisis, yet aid deliveries have fallen to the lowest level in nearly a year. Further steps must be taken to compel Israel to lift the blockade and facilitate the massive influx of relief desperately needed to avert famine and provide basic necessities. Potential sanctions and cuts to military assistance should be imposed swiftly if Israel does not comply with providing unrestricted humanitarian corridors into Gaza. Continued deprivation of essentials constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The people of Gaza cannot be held hostage to this man-made crisis any longer. Urgent international pressure is required to end this unconscionable blockade and rush life-saving relief to the territory. Failing to act will only compound an already catastrophic situation.