May 13, 2025 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery-Philadelphia) released a statement today in response to recent UN reports regarding the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

“As of May 2025, the Gaza Strip remains under a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing blockade and military operations. The United Nations and international human rights organizations have documented widespread violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Since March 2025, Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza, halting the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid for nearly two months. The World Health Organization warns that Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with essential medical supplies running out within weeks.

The blockade has led to the closure of numerous community kitchens, including those operated by World Central Kitchen, which previously provided up to 500,000 meals daily. Per the World Food Programme, food parcels are fully exhausted, and the last remaining supplies have been delivered to hot meal kitchens, which are expected to run out within days. Escalating hostilities, population movement restrictions, and the expansion of military zones have made humanitarian operations nearly impossible, putting civilians and aid workers at extreme risk. Over 100,000 metric tons of food – enough to feed one million people for up to four months – is positioned outside Gaza and ready for delivery, but no relief supplies can move without humanitarian access.

With over 2 million people facing severe food shortages, the situation is dire. An assessment released Monday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – the primary mechanism the international community uses to conclude whether a famine is happening – found that one in five people were facing starvation in Gaza. Per the IPC, the situation represents “a major deterioration in one of the word’s most severe food and nutrition crises driven by conflict and characterized by untold human suffering.”

The United Nations has reported that Israel’s actions in Gaza may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UN Human Rights Office has documented unlawful killings, forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and attacks on hospitals and journalists. The use of white phosphorus munitions and the creation of buffer zones through the destruction of civilian property have also been highlighted as potential violations of international humanitarian law.

The forced famines, war crimes, and violations of international law occurring in Gaza must be condemned. The international community must urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hold accountable those responsible for violations of international law. Immediate actions include:

• • • • Ending the siege;
      • Lifting the blockade to allow the free flow of humanitarian aid;
      • Releasing all remaining hostages;
      • Implementing a ceasefire; and
      • Ensuring peace via protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.

The situation in Gaza is a test of the international community’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. Immediate and decisive action is required to prevent further suffering, uphold the principles of justice and accountability, and secure a free Palestine.”

– Art Haywood
Pennsylvania Senate, District