NEW DELHI: Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has made a compelling plea for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medicine, to the distressed civilian population.

The city of Gaza and its northern region have experienced severe isolation from the rest of the Hamas-controlled territory due to Israeli ground operations, obstructing the distribution of vital humanitarian aid to around 300,000 internally displaced individuals in the northern area, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In a heartfelt video message shared on Saturday, Bera emphasized his belief in Israel's right to exist and defend itself, while also stressing the rights of innocent Palestinians to live in peace and dignity.

"We urgently require a cessation of hostilities to ensure that essential humanitarian aid, food, water, and medical supplies reach those in need. Following that, we must chart a new path forward," stated Bera, who had consulted with both Palestinians and Jews within his constituency.

The Congressman expressed his aspiration to witness Israelis and Palestinians coexisting in peace, highlighting the significance of preserving innocent lives on both sides.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Congressman Andy Kim, Bera is leading a group of 89 colleagues in urging the U.S. Congress to promptly approve the President's request for emergency supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2024. This funding encompasses support for the United States Agency for International Development's International Disaster Assistance account, addressing the escalating humanitarian demands worldwide, including those resulting from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In their letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Bera and his colleagues emphasized that the ongoing conflict has placed over two million individuals in dire need of life-saving humanitarian aid. More than a million people have fled the violence, putting immense strain on the capacity of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide food, medical care, and shelter to those in distress.

The letter also underscored that only 374 trucks carrying essential supplies have crossed into Gaza from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing, representing only a fraction of what is required to address the current crisis.

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