Advocates in New Jersey urge US to step in to help aid flow into Gaza
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, advocates in New Jersey are calling for the U.S. to intervene and force Israel to allow more aid into the region.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations hosted a news conference in Newark on Wednesday with Palestinian families impacted by the war and those who have lost loved ones in Gaza.
The death toll from starvation is mounting and those at the gathering said it's because Israel is not allowing enough aid into the war zone.
"Israel has killed over 70 members of my family and 10 members of my husband's family," said Passaic County resident Huda Abukweik.
They are urging the world to push for more food distribution as civilians in Gaza continue to face starvation and threats of missile strikes.
Family members spoke about loved ones stuck in Gaza who are on the brink of starvation.
"My cousin's sister is 9, she begs for bread and for rice," said Jomana Abusharea.
CAIR-NJ calls it forcible starvation, because just miles away, they say there is food. They say there is humanitarian aid sent in that could be feeding thousands, if not for Israeli forces blocking roads and preventing deliveries.
They are calling for a ceasefire as they say they have had to do many times since October of 2023. The conflict since then has been ongoing nearly nonstop.
They are asking elected officials, primarily President Trump, to intervene immediately.
"This is in your hands, open the borders and let the aid in, and let the Palestinians get food, let the Palestinians get freedom," said Najla Khass.
Humanitarian experts say the situation in Gaza is not yet considered a famine, but it's quickly approaching that mark.
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