Gaza has been under attack since Oct. 7, after Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israel. Since then, more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them children. Another 10,000 are estimated to be buried under the rubble. Millions have been displaced from their homes, and a majority of all homes and other structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.
The Israeli government has imposed a complete blockade on Gaza and is monitoring movement within Gaza at military checkpoints. Restrictions on aid and fuel entering Gaza have compounded the humanitarian crisis. People are going hungry and running out of water. Hospitals have sustained significant damage from Israel’s bombing and army invasion, and are in desperate need of supplies and staff. Although some humanitarian aid has reached Gaza, it falls way below the enormous need. We are now in the winter months and people are suffering from the cold as well as hunger. The population in Gaza is now on the verge of famine.
We call for immediate humanitarian access for Gaza. We urge all legislators to insist that all involved parties adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law and we call for a permanent cease-fire and a negotiated end to the war. We as Quakers reaffirm our 400-year history of opposition to all war.
Garnet Fay and Pam Timme, co-clerks
Oak Park Friends Meeting
