At least 94 US House Democrats urge Israel to immediately restore Gaza aid

Nearly 100 Democratic lawmakers have called on Israel to lift its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning the policy is "strategically counterproductive" and damages Israel's international standing.

In a letter to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, the 94 representatives urged immediate action to resume shipments while working with the US and aid groups to prevent resource diversion.

"The only option to alleviate the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians," the letter stated, is through a renewed ceasefire deal. The appeal comes as UN agencies warn of catastrophic famine conditions after months of restricted aid access to Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

The lawmakers emphasised that continued aid restrictions would further erode Israel's global position and long-term security.