Senate Democrats Urge Gaza Aid, Slam Trump Act on Starvation Crisis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senate Democrats are demanding that President Trump escalate U.S. humanitarian efforts in Gaza amid worsening starvation and civilian casualties. Over 40 senators criticized the administration-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for failing to deliver effective aid. The lawmakers also called for renewed ceasefire negotiations and a long-term plan for peace.
Gaza Starvation Crisis + Quick Looks
- Over 40 Senate Democrats sign letter to Trump officials urging more aid
- Gaza Humanitarian Foundation blasted for failing to deliver critical relief
- Democrats demand “large-scale” humanitarian expansion via experienced NGOs
- Letter urges revival of Gaza ceasefire talks, frozen by Trump envoy Witkoff
- Schatz says Israeli military could aid distribution but chooses not to
- 44 senators back call for aid and hostage release
- Trump breaks with Netanyahu, acknowledges starvation in Gaza
- Republicans back Trump but some express concern over crisis
- Marjorie Taylor Greene posts rare support for Gaza civilians
- Democrats push for two-state solution, oppose permanent displacement
Deep Look: Senate Democrats Urge Trump to Expand Gaza Aid, Resume Ceasefire Talks
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid mounting starvation and a growing humanitarian emergency in Gaza, Senate Democrats are demanding President Donald Trump’s administration drastically ramp up aid efforts and return to ceasefire negotiations. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, 44 Democratic senators criticized the administration’s current approach, particularly the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which they say has failed to deliver on its mission.
The letter, obtained by the Associated Press, marks a rare moment of unity for the Senate Democratic Caucus on a foreign policy matter that has long been divisive within the party. It signals deepening concern over the U.S. role in Israeli-led food distribution efforts and the civilian death toll linked to fighting around humanitarian delivery points.
Democrats Take Aim at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, formed in February with support from the Trump administration and the Israeli government, was meant to streamline food aid into the war-ravaged strip. Instead, critics say, it has become a flashpoint for unrest and a symbol of bureaucratic dysfunction. The senators’ letter states the foundation has “contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites.”
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), one of four Jewish senators leading the appeal, condemned the current system. “They made a choice to establish a new way of doing food distribution — and it’s not working at all,” Schatz said, questioning why one of the world’s most advanced militaries, Israel’s Defense Forces, can’t effectively manage food aid logistics or crowd control.
A Call for Ceasefire, Humanitarian Scale-Up
The lawmakers are pressing for a “large-scale expansion” of humanitarian access, coordinated by NGOs with deep experience in the region. They also demand the Trump administration restart peace talks with Hamas, which broke down last week after U.S. negotiators abruptly pulled out of discussions.
The letter, signed by Sens. Adam Schiff, Chuck Schumer, Jacky Rosen, and Schatz, also calls for the return of approximately 50 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack — 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
President Trump’s Monday remarks diverged sharply from those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who maintains that there is no starvation in Gaza. Trump instead acknowledged the dire food shortages but has not yet outlined a revised strategy. The president’s foreign policy so far has emphasized “America First” priorities, including cuts to international aid and a retreat from previous humanitarian obligations.
Republican Reaction Mixed as Crisis Worsens
While most congressional Republicans have backed Trump’s handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict, some are now beginning to show signs of discomfort amid increasingly graphic reports of famine and civilian deaths. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) defended Trump’s efforts as a “referee,” emphasizing Israel’s right to recover hostages.
In a rare break from GOP ranks, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) expressed concern for Palestinian civilians, tweeting: “What has been happening to innocent people and children in Gaza is horrific. This war and humanitarian crisis must end!”
Schatz believes these responses reflect a broader shift in public sentiment. “People are seeing images of chaos and suffering — situations caused or exacerbated by American policy,” he said. “And it’s redounding negatively to the president.”
Looking Ahead: A Test for U.S. Foreign Policy
The letter underscores broader frustrations among Democrats about the direction of U.S. policy in Gaza and the perceived abdication of America’s humanitarian leadership under Trump. It also reflects a growing rift between the White House and congressional Democrats who favor a two-state solution, an end to the war, and permanent security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
While calls for a resumption of ceasefire talks grow louder, officials close to Trump have not committed to re-engagement. Witkoff, who oversees Gaza policy, has thus far stood firm on suspending negotiations, citing Hamas’s refusal to release hostages or disarm.
Despite bipartisan support in the Senate for humanitarian expansion, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation remains operational — a sign, many believe, that Trump is reluctant to admit its failure.
For now, the administration’s next moves remain unclear, but pressure is building — both at home and abroad — to intervene before starvation and instability spiral further out of control.
