Governor Kathy Hochul has called for immediate action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel. In a statement released on July 31, 2025, Hochul urged cooperation between Israel, the United States, and the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
“The arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel today must serve as a turning point for the crisis in Gaza. The reports that continue to emerge are harrowing, and I am calling for Israel to work with the United States and the international community to immediately ensure sustained humanitarian aid can reach civilians. Allowing innocent children to starve to death is simply unconscionable, and as a mother, my heart is broken by these images of famine,” Hochul said.
She emphasized her longstanding support for Israel while expressing concern about recent developments: “I have always been a strong supporter of Israel. I visited Kfar Aza in the immediate aftermath of October 7th, mourned with families who had lost loved ones to the attacks by Hamas, and in the more than 600 days since, I have continued to advocate for the release of all hostages.”
Hochul added that supporting Israel also means urging its government to take appropriate action: “But support for the people of Israel also requires us to demand that the Israeli government do what is right. At the same time, we must continue to demand that Hamas release all hostages and finally bring an end to this conflict. This humanitarian crisis has gone on for too long, and it is time to secure a lasting peace that protects the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
