Congressman Carter Restates Support for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led 13 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden, reiterating their support for humanitarian aid during the crisis in the Middle East.

Rep. Carter was joined in sending the letter by Representatives James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Sanford D. Bishop (D-GA), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), and Hank C. Johnson (D-GA). 

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for your leadership during the current humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. Israel is an essential ally in the Middle East and has the right to defend itself against the terrorist organization Hamas. Hamas committed crimes against humanity on October 7, 2023, and this cannot be forgotten. As we renew our call for a bilateral ceasefire, we understand that Israel cannot unilaterally end the conflict while Hamas continues to hold hostages, including American citizens, and commit other acts of violence.

However, nations have a responsibility to civilians, aid workers, and other noncombatants during military operations. These responsibilities go beyond the laws of war to basic human morality and decency. Today in Gaza, children are starving and being deprived of basic necessities like clean drinking water and electricity. The conditions are intolerable, and the Israeli government is responsible for addressing this humanitarian crisis, on par with the government’s duty to self-defense.

The people of Israel and Gaza deserve better than the recent actions of the Netanyahu government. It is past time to provide adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, electricity, and safety to innocent Palestinians. As the authority in control of Gaza, this is the Netanyahu government’s clear responsibility.

As Congress considers the national security supplemental, we will closely monitor the Prime Minister’s government and their actions to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Foreign military aid generally should only be conditional under extreme circumstances. We are watching such extreme circumstances unfold and look forward to working with you to ensure any aid provided will not further deepen the crisis in Gaza.

Sincerely,

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