Over 50 House Democrats Implore Biden to Establish ‘Humanitarian Corridor’ in Gaza

Over 50 House Democrats sent a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, raising their “concerns regarding the unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza as Israel responds to Hamas’ terrorist attack.”

“We cannot achieve lasting peace and security for Israelis without addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank,” the letter explained. “As efforts are made to rescue hostages, we urge those carrying out military operations to follow international humanitarian law and protect innocent civilian lives on both sides. We strongly agree with the President’s sentiment that, ‘democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.'”

The lawmakers further urged the White House to prioritize communication with Israel to “limit harm to innocent civilians,” “restore the delivery of food, water, fuel, electricity, and other life-saving necessities to Gaza,” as well as help establish a “humanitarian corridor” in the territory.

“We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ shocking and horrifying terrorist attack on Israel. This is the worst perpetration of violence inflicted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Our hearts are with those who were tragically killed and their loved ones who mourn their loss. We also continue to hope for the safe return of those who were taken hostage by Hamas, including American citizens, and stand ready to support your
Administration in bringing them home,” the group of Democrats wrote.

The signatories include representatives Pramila Jayapal (D., Wash.), chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), and Ayanna Pressley (D., Mass.).

Notably, Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) nor Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) affixed their names to the letter. Asked by a reporter on Tuesday for a comment about the atrocities committed by the Palestinian terrorist group, Tlaib ignored the question while walking through the Capitol. Meanwhile, Omar has called on the United States to end its “unconditional” support of Israel.

Secretary Blinken visited Israel on Thursday, where he met with high-ranking officials, including prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. and gave a speech underscoring America’s unwavering support for the Jewish State.

“The message that I bring to Israel is this: You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself – but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to,” Blinken wrote on X, the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter.

On Friday, John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, responded to the announcement that Israel demanded a million civilians vacate the northern stretches of the Gaza Strip ahead of the impending invasion.

“We understand what they’re trying to do,” Kirby told CNN. “They’re trying to move civilians out of harm’s way and giving them fair warning. Now, it’s a tall order, it’s a million people and it’s a very urban, dense environment.”