Five Democratic US senators have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urgently facilitate a "massive surge" of baby formula and humanitarian aid into Gaza, as famine and widespread malnutrition continue to claim infant lives. The appeal, led by Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, comes amid increasing international recognition of famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas.

In a letter obtained by The Guardian, Senators Peter Welch, Tim Kaine, Mark Kelly, and Elizabeth Warren joined Gallego in urging the US government to use its "full power and authority" to address what they termed a moral obligation to save lives.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a leading global hunger monitoring body, officially declared a famine in Gaza in August 2025, the first such designation in the Middle East.  

The senators are demanding a written response from Rubio by September 8, urging him to reopen all Gaza crossings for humanitarian aid and press "Israel" to dramatically expand access. "We appeal to you not only in your capacity as a government official but as a parent," the senators wrote. "No child should face the desperation and suffering we are witnessing in Gaza in real time."

Political shifts within the US

The letter follows an earlier appeal by over 100 House Democrats led by Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Brittany Pettersen, who highlighted pallets of ready-to-feed baby formula waiting at Gaza’s borders.

Moreso, a Reuters/Ipsos poll from late August shows that 65% of US voters support action to help Gaza residents facing starvation. While a Quinnipiac poll found that 60% of voters oppose further military aid to "Israel", with 77% of Democrats believing "Israel" is committing genocide in Gaza.

Public opinion, congressional divides

Senator Gallego’s evolving stance on Gaza reflects a broader shift within the Democratic party. Although he did not vote on Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolutions to block arms sales to "Israel", he later expressed openness to reevaluating aid policies.

Additionally, progressive efforts for an arms embargo were recently rejected at a Democratic National Committee meeting, while a moderate ceasefire resolution was initially passed but later withdrawn to maintain party unity.

Malnutrition crisis among infants, mothers

The baby formula shortage has reached crisis levels in Gaza. Over 40,000 infants under one year old are at risk of death due to the complete absence of formula and nutritional supplements. Maternal malnutrition compounds the emergency, with 43% of pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza suffering from severe undernourishment.

With breastfeeding often impossible due to hunger, formula becomes a critical lifeline. Volunteer doctors entering Gaza have reported instances where Israeli authorities confiscated formula from medical missions.

Families have resorted to desperate feeding practices, mixing water with chickpeas or sesame paste, feeding infants herbal teas, or even giving only water for days. These substitutes carry severe health risks, including malnutrition, organ failure, and even death.