New Jersey Advocates Call for Action – Urge U.S. to Facilitate Aid Flow into Gaza

As the humanitarian disaster in Gaza worsens, voices from New Jersey are growing louder in their plea for the U.S. to step in and pressure Israel to open access for aid. At a news conference in Newark on Wednesday, hosted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), Palestinian Americans shared personal stories of loss and desperation—and called for immediate intervention to prevent further starvation.

Outcry

The event, held by CAIR-NJ, brought together Palestinian families who have lost relatives or still have loved ones trapped in Gaza. Their message was clear: this crisis is no longer political—it’s a matter of survival.

Huda Abukweik, a resident of Passaic County, spoke with grief and urgency. “Israel has killed over 70 members of my family and 10 members of my husband’s family,” she said. Stories like hers were echoed throughout the gathering, with one common theme: families are dying not only from conflict but from hunger.

Starvation

What’s even more tragic is that aid is physically close—just miles away—but still out of reach. CAIR-NJ described it as “forcible starvation,” arguing that Israeli forces are blocking aid trucks and roadways that would otherwise allow food to reach civilians.

Jomana Abusharea shared how her young cousin’s sister, only 9 years old, pleads daily for bread and rice. These aren’t isolated incidents—they reflect the broader suffering of an entire population caught in the crossfire with limited access to basic necessities.

Barriers

According to humanitarian groups, aid has been sent in large quantities but remains stuck due to Israeli blockades. While Israel cites security concerns, critics argue that the restrictions amount to collective punishment.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the crisis:

Crisis Element	Description
Aid Nearby	Food & supplies are just miles away
Roads Blocked	Israeli forces blocking access
Starvation Rising	Civilians facing daily hunger
Ceasefire Demands	Advocates calling for an immediate halt

Urgency

This isn’t the first time CAIR-NJ and other organizations have called for a ceasefire since the war reignited in October 2023. But as the crisis drags on with no clear end in sight, the urgency is intensifying.

Najla Khass, speaking passionately at the event, made a direct appeal to U.S. leaders: “This is in your hands. Open the borders and let the aid in, and let the Palestinians get food, let the Palestinians get freedom.”

Tipping Point

So far, humanitarian experts say Gaza hasn’t officially entered famine status, but it’s dangerously close. Without swift action, the hunger crisis may soon hit that critical threshold. Advocates believe the U.S., as a global power and ally of Israel, holds leverage to change the course of the crisis.

And that’s the central demand: use that leverage. Open the borders. Let the food in. Let people live.

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