Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Call for Transparency in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13), along with 8 other Congressional colleagues, led a letter to the Ambassador of Israel, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, calling for a briefing on Israel’s reported plans for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. 

Successful negotiations earlier this year resulted in a 42-day pause of hostilities, the release of 25 living and eight deceased Israeli hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid being delivered to civilians in Gaza. Now, as the war has resumed, the members have seen reports that Israel plans to take control of humanitarian aid into Gaza as a condition of lifting your two-month blockade. 

The members wrote: 

“Like many, we have been appalled by Hamas’ delays in releasing hostages, their releasing of incorrect bodies of deceased hostages, and their parading of hostages around as trophies. We urge Hamas to unconditionally release all hostages immediately and to stop using Gazan civilians as human shields to perpetuate their control. That said, and while we understand the challenges of Hamas as a negotiating partner, we strongly encourage Israel’s continued diplomatic efforts to both return the remaining estimated 59 hostages and ensure sufficient provision of humanitarian aid.

Israeli and Palestinian people all deserve to live without fear and have access to the basic necessities. Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in control of the Gaza Strip, and we strongly encourage you to thoughtfully, humanely, and effectively facilitate the provision of a significant amount of humanitarian aid in a way that benefits the people of Gaza. We look forward to learning more about how this reported plan was developed and how you view the near future of this conflict.”

The letter signed by: Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-1), Rep. Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-2), Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-4), Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-2), and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2).

Read the full letter here.