WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Thursday released the following statement after meeting with World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain:

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, and it was important to get an update from WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain on what her organization is seeing on the ground. They have done incredible work to feed half a million Gazans since the start of this crisis and are working to expand operations, but emergency food supplies are dwindling and their entire aid distribution system needs fuel to operate. It is urgent for Israel to allow fuel to reach hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations – with all of the necessary protocols to prevent diversion – into Gaza to save the lives of innocent civilians. I will continue pushing for the United States to ensure our humanitarian partners at UNRWA, WFP, and other organizations receive the support necessary to help those fleeing violence.”

Last week, Murphy led 33 of his Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza.

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