We are deeply troubled by media reports of hunger and food insecurity among civilians in Gaza. The photos emerging of human suffering are disturbing. Food security is a basic human right and Torah commands us to feed the hungry. It is the global community’s collective responsibility, including the United Nations and the governments of the United States and Israel, to ensure Gazans have access to humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medicine.
We condemn Hamas’ undermining of food distribution to civilians, which poses immense challenges. We also recognize that widespread disinformation surrounding this issue specifically, and the war more broadly, is intended to undermine the State of Israel. Yet even vocal supporters of the Israeli government, including President Trump, have acknowledged that hunger in Gaza is real.
As the government of Israel works to secure the return of the hostages, who have suffered in Hamas’ captivity for 662 days, it must also aid Gazan civilians who are hurting in this war. We are encouraged by actions taken in recent days by the Israeli government and partners to increase aid by land and air, but the need remains to develop longer term solutions.
We call on the government of Israel with its global partners to harness the “Start Up Nation” innovative spirit, which has garnered global awe in its pursuit of medical breakthroughs and scientific wonders, to address this deeply complex and challenging humanitarian crisis.
This statement is a reflection of JCRC’s four core positions on the war, held since October 7, 2023:
- All hostages must be returned
- Hamas cannot have the capacity to repeat the October 7 massacre
- Humanitarian aid, including food, must be maximized to Gazan civilians
- Civilian casualties in Gaza must be minimized
