Betty McCollum
10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 11:56
Rep McCollum Expresses Support For U.S. Pressure on Israel to Improve Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Amid reports ofWhite House pressure on the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on Wednesday morning:"Israel has a right to defend its nation and people, but that comes with the responsibility to do everything possible to protect the innocent lives of Palestinian civilians in Gaza," said Congresswoman Betty McCollum. "Thus far, Israel has fallen woefully short of fulfilling this responsibility. Thousands of Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli bombings and attacks. Thousands more have lost limbs or suffered permanent injuries. Israel must also meet the need for urgent humanitarian assistance for the civilian population in Gaza, including food, water, medicine, fuel, and sanitation. No nation has the right to use starvation and deprivation as a war strategy, and I have called upon the Biden administration to take stronger action to hold Israel accountable for denying humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. U.S. military assistance to Israel must reflect our American values. I strongly support conditioning our aid to any nation that intentionally starves innocent civilians in violation of international humanitarian law."