The global community seems unyielding in rejecting continued Israeli restrictions on food delivery by trucks to the occupied Gaza Strip. Political heads of state and human rights activists insist that starvation should never be used as a military tool. Yet, it is troubling that numerous American Christian leaders are either silent or supportive of this Israeli policy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a firm and principled stance on March 17^th, a stance that Christian leaders worldwide must emulate. “We cannot stand by and watch Palestinians risk starvation. That’s not who we are. That’s not what we stand for,” he declared these resolute words while standing next to the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu.

Providing basic sustenance to people under foreign military occupation is an obligation of the state of Israel in Gaza. This isn’t about victory or defeat in the war or taking sides. It’s about recognizing a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding, with over two million people in Gaza on the brink of famine due to insufficient aid reaching them. This dire situation, exacerbated by Israel’s retaliatory policies, has deeply affected even our Christian brothers and sisters seeking refuge within the two remaining churches in Gaza.

Our family members and friends sheltering in these churches describe the conditions as nothing short of horrific and unbearable. They haven’t just suffered from the ongoing fighting and relentless Israeli bombing for the last five months, some are dying due to the shortage of medical supplies, children are experiencing malnutrition, and virtually everyone has been scarred and traumatized by the pervasive death and destruction. Since October 7 alone, more than 31,000 individuals have lost their lives, with 73,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Seventy-five years ago, Dietrich Bonhoeffer risked everything to speak out against anti-Semitism, a bravery echoed today by the Chancellor of Germany in support of innocent Palestinians. Yet, as a Palestinian-American Christian, my deepest anguish arises from witnessing global leaders rallying for the oppressed and starving, while many Christians and church leaders remain silent, hoping the issue will resolve itself. Undoubtedly, as Palestinian Christians, we stand in solidarity with Bonhoeffer’s legacy and unequivocally condemn the killing of innocent Israelis. However, we also align with the Chancellor’s call to end this humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this year, witnessing King Abdullah II of Jordan personally delivering life-saving aid to Gaza through multiple airdrops was both refreshing and inspiring. As I viewed the images and videos on social media, I couldn’t help but recall the ancient lament of the prophet Jeremiah, who mourned over his people, asking, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22, NLT). Notably, Gilead in Jordan was renowned for its production of medicine. Today, King Abdullah embodies the actions that Christians must undertake.

Indifference and silence were never options for Jesus. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, NKJV). Christians in Gaza are weary, as are 2.2 million innocent individuals, scattered and worn down. Compassion for these lives doesn’t equate to endorsing animosity towards Israel. The ceasefire is not an antisemitic request. Christlike compassion transcends political, ethnic, and religious divides. Compassion is the lens through which Jesus viewed humanity. Compassion is what propelled Chancellor Scholz to speak out against injustice and King Abdullah II to airdrop aid to Gazans.

Christians do not stand idly and watch the suffering, nor do we remain silent. This isn’t who we are as followers of Christ. This isn’t what we stand for. We must exhaust every humanly possible effort to heal wounds and alleviate suffering—not only for innocent Jewish families deeply affected by the attacks of October 7, but also for the thousands of orphans, women, and children who continue to mourn without any sign of relief or de-escalation of war. Compassion is not merely a virtue to be preached but a responsibility to be actively embraced.

The courageous stances and actions of global leaders must galvanize the Church. We need to be emboldened to be inspired to heed Paul’s call to do good for all, particularly for those in the family of faith (Galatians 6:10). Perhaps a medicine from Gilead or an assistance from a physician can go a long way in alleviating suffering in Gaza and restoring health, offering temporary relief until the healing grace of God touches the entire region, bringing lasting restoration and peace. God has placed a sense of urgency in my heart and a heartfelt conviction to urge Christians and church leaders worldwide to embrace an active role in healing the wounds inflicted by the ongoing war in Gaza. This is the core of our Christian message, compelling us to view the current war through a gospel-centered and Christ-honoring lens, extending the love and hope of Jesus to both Israelis and Palestinians in Jesus’ Name.