In a surprising turn, some U.S. House Republicans, traditionally steadfast supporters of Israel, are voicing growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid an ongoing conflict.
According to Just the News, this shift in stance comes as reports of starvation among civilians, including children, intensify criticism of Israel’s actions in the war that began with a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The conflict in Gaza erupted after a devastating terrorist attack by Hamas on an Israeli music festival on October 7, 2023. That assault claimed 1,200 lives and saw over 250 individuals taken hostage, with reports of rape and torture among the captives. The war has since raged on, drawing international attention and attempts by the U.S. and other nations to broker peace.
More than 30 countries issued a joint statement last week urging an immediate halt to the violence and the release of remaining hostages. Despite these efforts, the situation on the ground remains dire, with accurate information hard to come by. Many legacy media outlets rely on data from the Gazan Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, complicating efforts to verify reports.
Recent accounts have painted a grim picture of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with innocent civilians, including children, facing severe hunger. ABC News reported last week that 15 individuals have died from famine and malnutrition in the region. Various nongovernmental organizations have, to different extents, confirmed the widespread human suffering in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly denied claims of starvation among Gaza’s population. Meanwhile, unintended military actions have added to the controversy, including a stray ammunition strike earlier this month on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, which killed three people. A similar incident occurred months earlier when another church in Gaza was hit in a separate strike.
Commenting on the recent church strike, Netanyahu called it “a mistake by the Israelis,” according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., noted on X that she had previously questioned the Israeli government about an earlier strike on a Christian church in Gaza. She also mentioned reaching out to the government of Syria regarding the most recent incident a few days ago.
Amid these events, a notable shift is occurring among some House Republicans, who are beginning to question Israel’s approach despite long-standing support. Congressman Thomas Massie, R-Ky., as early as May, condemned the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, stating, “Nothing can justify the number of civilian casualties (tens of thousands of women and children) inflicted by Israel in Gaza in the last two years.” He further called for an end to all U.S. military aid to Israel during his remarks.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed her anguish on X, saying, “I can unequivocally say that what happened to innocent people in Israel on Oct 7th was horrific.” “Just as I can unequivocally say that what has been happening to innocent people and children in Gaza is horrific,” she continued. “This war and humanitarian crisis must end!” Greene added in her post.
Congressman Lance Gooden, R-Texas, also weighed in on social media, stating, “Standing with Israel means eliminating every barbaric Hamas terrorist.” “It also means rejecting the killing and starvation of children in Gaza,” he added. “We must allow aid to enter Gaza. Ending this hunger crisis will not only spare the lives of children but will strip Hamas of its ability to use innocent children as pawns in their depraved acts of barbarism,” Gooden concluded.
Not all GOP members share this critical view, as evidenced by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who recently won a special election to represent Florida’s sixth congressional district. Fine dismissed famine reports on social media, saying, “Release the hostages. Until then, starve away.” He further criticized media coverage, adding, “This is all a lie anyway. It amazes me that the media continues to regurgitate Muslim terror propaganda.”
Fine’s remarks drew sharp rebuke from within his party, with Florida GOP candidate Aaron Baker responding on X, “I do NOT support starving children @RepFine.” “I do NOT support punishing citizens for having the worst government in existence,” Baker continued. “IT IS MY GOAL TO MAKE YOU A 1 TERM CONGRESSMAN. If you agree, please consider supporting me to represent FL-6,” he urged.
Democrats in the House have also been vocal about the crisis, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., emphasizing the need for immediate aid in a press release. “It is imperative that humanitarian aid be surged into Gaza immediately, the remaining Israeli hostages be released and the ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration restored,” Jeffries stated. “We need a just and lasting peace,” he added. Jeffries further pressed for action, saying, “The starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable.” “The Trump administration has the ability to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis,” he noted. “They must act now,” Jeffries concluded in his statement.
President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, focusing on the stark visuals emerging from Gaza. “Based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump said on Monday. “There is real starvation in Gaza — you can't fake that,” he emphasized. The evolving perspectives among House Republicans signal a potential change in the long-standing U.S.-Israel relationship. As the war continues, balancing support for an ally with addressing humanitarian concerns remains a delicate challenge. Both sides of the political aisle appear united in their call for peace, though the path forward remains unclear.