Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson: "Our Conscience Demands Action" on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) gave a resolute condemnation of the devastating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, calling for the immediate and unrestricted flow of aid to the besieged population. The Congressman decried the use of starvation as a method of warfare, pointing to clear violations of international law and drawing parallels to history’s darkest chapters.

“When I see the images from Gaza, I see more than statistics; I see a profound stain on our collective conscience,” said Congressman Jackson. “We are witnessing a calculated, man-made famine unfold in real time. Children are perishing from malnutrition while their parents risk everything for a single loaf of bread. This is a moral outrage and a flagrant violation of the bedrock principles of international law.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a horrifying spike in deaths from malnutrition, with 63 such fatalities in July alone, including 24 children under the age of five. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the entire population of 2.2 million people is struggling with severe food insecurity, and nearly half a million face catastrophic conditions. The UN requires 500-600 aid trucks daily to meet basic needs, yet recent averages have fallen to a scant 70 trucks per day.

The starvation of a civilian population is explicitly forbidden. Article 54 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions states, “Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is prohibited.” This is reinforced by Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which defines “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival” as a war crime.

“The law is unambiguous: starving a civilian population is a war crime,” Congressman Jackson continued. “History will deliver a harsh judgment on those who stand by while this preventable tragedy unfolds. From the siege of Leningrad to the fields of Ethiopia, we have seen starvation used to brutalize and subjugate people. We have a solemn duty to ensure it never happens again.”

Congressman Jackson is demanding immediate and decisive action. He is personally urging the Trump Administration to use all available diplomatic leverage to secure an immediate and sustained ceasefire. The Congressman insists on the full and unhindered opening of all border crossings for humanitarian aid, and for the safe and secure distribution of that aid to every part of Gaza. He also calls for the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

“The time for hesitation is over,” concluded Congressman Jackson. “The lives of millions of innocent people hang in the balance. We must act with urgency to flood Gaza with aid, end the violence, and hold accountable those responsible for this unconscionable crisis."

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