In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, more than a dozen Democratic senators have made an "urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza." The senators are urging the administration to press Israel for the protection of innocent civilians and to facilitate the provision of sustained humanitarian aid into the enclave. This comes as pressure mounts on the Biden administration to exert influence in order to alleviate the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon has joined progressive Democrats in calling for an immediate cease-fire to halt the ongoing violence. The letter, signed by 13 senators, refers to the surprise terror attacks launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths in Israel, according to Israeli officials. Retaliatory operations led by Israel have claimed the lives of more than 13,000 people in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

"We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza," the Democratic senators wrote in the letter. They specifically urge President Biden to support Israel in providing critical humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza. The senators also emphasize the importance of reopening the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza, which would allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians.

The White House has not yet responded to ABC News' request for a comment regarding the letter. However, earlier this month, the administration announced that Israel had agreed to implement four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in its attack on Hamas in northern Gaza. These pauses, which have been extended to up to seven hours in some cases, were initiated at the urging of the United States. The aim is to support the safe release of the hundreds of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

During a White House press briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby affirmed that the humanitarian pauses are taking place regularly. Kirby expressed hope that these pauses would facilitate the safe movement of hostages from their current location to a place of safety.

Coinciding with President Biden's statement that a deal to release hostages is imminent, the senators' letter highlights their concern about the escalating suffering in Gaza and its impact on both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. They stress the need for the president to develop a plan to end Hamas' influence in Gaza and foster hope for the future. Furthermore, the senators urge President Biden to define a U.S. vision for the future of Israel and Palestine and clarify the role the United States will play in promoting a peaceful resolution and aiding in the process of rebuilding.

Senator Merkley, who posted on social media that a cease-fire is necessary, emphasized that it should encompass the release of all hostages and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. He was joined by Senator Richard Durbin, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, in his call for a cease-fire earlier this month. Durbin specifically stated that the release of hostages should be a precondition for a cease-fire in Gaza.

While humanitarian groups have called for a cease-fire and the cessation of the evacuation of the northern part of Gaza, Israel has asserted its right to defend itself against Hamas, a right supported by the Biden administration. The White House has favored humanitarian pauses over an immediate cease-fire, believing that a cease-fire would benefit Hamas.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the urgent plea for sustained humanitarian aid and efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution in the region.

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