Gottheimer calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, urges global action and condemns Hamas
NORTH JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on Tuesday released a statement calling for the expansion of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, while sharply criticizing Hamas and urging the international community to take more decisive action.
The July 29 statement highlighted recent efforts by Israel to increase aid deliveries and Gottheimer’s continued demand for the release of hostages held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, terror attacks.
“Since October 7, when Hamas terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, and murdered 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans, I have been consistent in my calls for the immediate release of every hostage and the end to Hamas’ reign of terror,” Gottheimer said. “Without this, Israel’s security cannot be ensured.”
Gottheimer praised Israel’s announcement to expand food aid drops and open more humanitarian corridors as “steps [that] show Israel is committed to minimizing civilian suffering, even as it defends itself from a terrorist enemy that hides behind civilians.”
He added that while these efforts are critical, the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the responsibility of more than one party.
“Although getting additional aid into the region is a positive step, the responsibility is not Israel’s alone,” he said, urging Arab nations like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE to increase their humanitarian efforts. He also called on Egypt and Qatar to use diplomatic pressure to bring Hamas back to negotiations.
Gottheimer criticized Hamas for endangering civilians, claiming it has repeatedly stolen aid and used Palestinian families as human shields.
“The blood of this war, and the humanitarian crisis in the region, is on Hamas’ hands,” Gottheimer said. “They launched a rocket at an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, where food packages were being handed out to civilians in need.”
The congressman also directed criticism at French President Emmanuel Macron for his calls to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, which Gottheimer called a “one-sided move that only rewards Hamas’ terrorism” and “undermines prospects for a two-state solution.”
He urged global leaders to act, not just criticize.
“Instead of putting out vacuous, uninformed statements to the press, Macron should focus on real action, starting with delivering significantly more aid to Gaza. Other world leaders should do the same,” Gottheimer said.
Gottheimer concluded by emphasizing a long-term goal: “Together, we must bring home every hostage, end the suffering of innocent civilians, and work toward a future in Gaza without Hamas — for the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis.”
