U.S. Rep Keith Ellison and a House colleague are touring the Gaza Strip to inspect the damage from the recent Israeli military action there. Although the visit does not have official sanction they are the first U.S. officials to enter Gaza in three years. In a press release issued early this morning, Ellison criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid that the international community has been trying to send into Gaza. Ellison:

The press release said that items that Israeli officials have blocked from reaching the Gaza population include lentils, macaroni, tomato paste, and other common food products. Ellison said: “If this had happened in our own country, there would be national outrage and an appeal for urgent assistance."

Ellison, who represents Minneapolis and is the first Muslim congressman, was just named to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Middle East Subcommittee, as well as the International Organizations Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee, so his views on Arab-Israeli issues will be rising in prominence.

On the current trip,Ellison and Rep. Brian Baird (D-Washington) have also visited the West Bank and met with the foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority. Tomorrow, they will tour the Israeli towns of Sderot and Ashkelon, which have been the targets of persistent rocket attacks launched from Gaza.

In January, when the Israeli invasion of Gaza was under way, Ellison and his St. Paul colleague, Rep. Betty McCollum, were among 22 House members who voted "present" on a resolution that reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel and Israel's right to defend itself against attacks. The resolution passed 390-5. In his comments over several months, Ellison has tried to balance his concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza with his respect for Israel's right to defend itself. The press release ends:

The Congressmen emphasized that fundamental changes and solutions are needed beyond the immediate challenges in Gaza.

“The first and most urgent priority must be to help the people in Gaza.  At the same time, the rocket attacks against Israeli cities must stop immediately.  Just as the people of Gaza should not be subject to what they have experienced, the Israeli civilians should not have to live in fear of constant and indiscriminate rocketing.  The entire region and the international community must recommit itself to making the difficult but necessary changes to bring about lasting and just peace, and security for the region.  President Obama has made important and encouraging initiatives.  United States Special Envoy, George Mitchell, will undoubtedly listen long to the aggrieved parties and then give advice accordingly.  For now it is up to leaders and citizens here in Gaza, the West Bank and in Israel to move forward toward that shared goal,” Ellison and Baird concluded.

The full press release is here.