U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in introducing a resolution urging the Trump Administration to employ all diplomatic means to end the blockade of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The resolution expresses significant concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the risk of widespread starvation among children.
The resolution highlights that since March 2, the Israeli Government has blocked food and emergency aid from reaching Palestinian civilians in Gaza. This blockade includes essential supplies such as medicine, infant formula and fuel. The impact has been severe, with the closure of all 25 World Food Program-supported bakeries in Gaza, depletion of wheat flour and cooking fuel, and the running out of food parcels meant to last families two weeks. The United Nations reports that approximately 10,000 children have been identified as suffering from acute malnutrition since January 2025.
“We must deliver critically needed food and medicine to innocent civilians in Gaza facing extreme hunger, death, disease and widespread destruction,” Heinrich said. “While Israel has the right to defend itself, it must follow U.S. and international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, Israel has been and continues to act in direct violation of the requirements mandated under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.”
Heinrich also said a long-term, post-war plan is vital for lasting peace in the region.
“As we continue to pursue pathways to achieve a two-state solution, which remains crucial both for Palestinians’ sovereignty and self-determination and for Israel’s security in the region, we must work toward a long-term, post-war plan that can achieve lasting peace in the region,” Heinrich said.
The resolution is co-sponsored by several other senators, including Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
Yea for Heinrich!