Some people, organizations and government bodies will say that it is too political or polarizing to discuss the horror of the current uninhabitable conditions in Gaza.

But it is not political or polarizing when you’re asking for badly needed electricity, potable water and fuel; when you’re talking about feeding hungry Palestinian children who are literally starving to death; when you’re asking that medical staff and hospitals not be bombed or targeted; when you’re talking about treating patients needing dialysis or heart medications; when you’re trying to be certain a wounded child or mother does not bleed to death; when a woman must give birth on the floor of hospital that lacks any semblance of sanitation; nor when you’re trying to save a child who needs a limb amputated with no anesthetics or antibiotics.

More than 30,000 people have been killed, and as many as 40% are children! None of this is political, polarizing or even controversial. The physical, medical and mental impacts, especially on Palestinian children, is immeasurable and permanent; they will carry this burden for the rest of their lives. Hospitals, medical workers and civilians must never become targets for snipers, drones, tanks or aircraft. That is never!

The World Health Organization and the American Public Health Association have called upon President Joe Biden and Congress to urgently demand an immediate cease-fire and deescalation of the current conflict, and the American Medical Association has expressed “heartbreak and outrage about the human toll afflicting Israelis, Palestinians and others.” Included in the 76 of 536 members of the U.S. Congress are Massachusetts Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Stephen Lynch and Jim McGovern, who have responded similarly; however, the Biden administration continues, in essence, unmoved.

The president has sent mixed messages in planning to send humanitarian aid and calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, while at the same time continuing to send unfettered military aid to Israel. Really?

It is commendable that Northampton and Amherst have already passed resolutions demanding a permanent cease-fire, vast expansion of humanitarian aid, and return of all captives (Palestinian, Israeli and others) — basically a call for an end to the Israeli military siege and genocide in Gaza.

Shouldn’t we all call for a permanent cease-fire? It is not at all political, just sound public health and in agreement with international humanitarian law.

Dr. Stephen Frantz is a research pathobiologist and resident of South Hadley.