Rep. Jimmy Panetta's Statement on the Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

July 28, 2025 Press Release Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement in response to dire humanitarian situation in Gaza: "The humanitarian situation in the ongoing war zone in Gaza is dire and devastating. Hamas has the power to end this chaos. Instead, it rejected the latest ceasefire offer from Israel as Hamas would rather hold onto hostages than feed the children of Gaza. Israel is right to defend itself and deny Hamas a role in the governance of Gaza. However, that means that Israel has the responsibility to alleviate the catastrophe facing the civilian population and provide humanitarian relief in Gaza. "The aid distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been uncoordinated, dangerous, and deadly. On Thursday, I had a personal call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States to discuss the unconscionable humanitarian situation in Gaza. As of Sunday, Israel opened additional aid corridors and conducted numerous air drops of humanitarian aid into the area. However, Israel, the international community, and President Trump must do more to collaborate and ensure a massive surge of humanitarian relief to Gaza immediately. Israel already has facilitated the entry of over 1.8 million tons of aid and over 96,000 trucks into Gaza, while Hamas continues to hold hostages, extort the aid system, and refuse ceasefire deals to stay in power. Israel has agreed to the latest ceasefire proposal, but Hamas has rejected it to stay in power. Hamas must accept a ceasefire and release the hostages to end this travesty and for there to be peace." ### Issues : National Security