WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after meeting today with Sean Callahan, President and CEO, Catholic Relief Services; Abby Maxman, President and CEO, Oxfam America; and Janti Soeripto, CEO, and Christy Gleason, Vice President, Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns, Save the Children, to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza:
“I had a sobering and informative conversation today with leaders from Catholic Relief Services, Oxfam America, and Save the Children to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. All three just returned from travel to Gaza and the West Bank and recounted the bleak reality for Gazan civilians and the challenges their aid workers face in the region. We also discussed the troubling allegations against 12 UNRWA employees and how we can continue to maintain critical services to address the hunger and desperation of the people of Gaza.
“In Congress, I continue to fight for lifesaving aid for Gaza and to express concerns about the civilian consequences of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. I am grateful for those aid workers from these three organizations who operate in incredibly difficult circumstances to provide much-needed assistance.”
Senator Coons is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.