It’s far beyond time for Israel to halt the killing and the suffering of civilians in Gaza, open up routes for humanitarian relief, and hold off a famine that could wipe out people trapped in the war zone. Our president and Congress should join other world leaders in making it plain to Israel’s leadership that while we fully support Israel’s statehood and security goals, we cannot fund or otherwise sanction the loss of life and starvation that’s clearly happening on the ground within Gaza.

This position is not pro-Palestinian or anti-Israeli. It’s pro-human rights and anti-death and destruction. 

Donald Trump, who has been vocal in recent days in support of ending the Gaza conflict and standing up humanitarian relief efforts, has been stymied— to date— in trying to move his erstwhile ally, Benjamin Netanyahu, to ease conditions for those most in danger. In fact, Netanyahu seems to be doubling down, denying that famine conditions are taking hold in the territory, even though he ordered the restrictions on importing relief supplies that experts and watchdogs say has led to mounting hunger and even deaths. 

The pressure is mounting for Netanyahu to relent. Some routes have now opened for food and aid to make its way to the people in the region, however, observers warn many more Palestinian civilians will die unless a massive relief effort is mounted.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sounded the urgent alarm based on the publication of a new UN-led report on Monday, saying: “It is a reality unfolding before our eyes.”On Tuesday, the United Kingdom’s prime minister said his government would move to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state if Netanyahu’s regime does not declare a ceasefire and “end the appalling situation in Gaza.”

France, which has been outspoken in its condemnation of the war and conditions in Gaza, has already declared its intent to do the same. And Ireland, a leader in appealing for relief for Gazans, and for Palestinians in the West Bank as well, is moving toward legislation that would ban the import of goods and services from “occupied” sections of Palestinian-held territory.

The European efforts are important, but it’s the United States and our leaders who can and must take swift action to make the case for mercy and common-sense relief. As Israel’s strongest and most faithful ally, our nation needs to make the case that the continued assaults, blockades, and starvations of Gazans constitute an affront to human rights and to history. Just as Israel’s right to defend itself is sacrosanct, it must not equate to the total destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza. 

Successive US administrations have been steadfast supporters of Israel’s defense, and its latest recently took decisive action to augment Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran. 

There is – appropriately – domestic debate here about the extent and execution of targeted US war powers to support our ally’s strike on Iran. But a tactical strike meant to weaken and suppress Iran’s nuclear capabilities is a far different matter from the sustained, relentless warmaking on Gazans with our implied or direct support. 

President Trump should use the leverage he has to end this bloodletting and the widespread hunger that has so clearly taken hold in the Gaza Strip. The situation is not only counter to long-term US interests, but it’s also inhumane in making a vanquished and essentially imprisoned foe continue to suffer without end. We hope that together with other world leaders, our government will prevail upon our friends in Israel to cease hostilities and expedite needed relief post-haste.

- Bill Forry & Linda Dorcena Forry

(This editorial first was published in the July 31, 2025 edition of the Dorchester Reporter.)