Thousands in US Begin Fasts Solidarity Gaza Amid Aid Blockade

In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, various faith-based and activist groups across the United States have initiated fasting campaigns to raise awareness and demand an end to the violence and blockade. Mennonite Action members in Harrisonburg are conducting a 40-day intermittent fast while preparing for a solidarity trip to the West Bank to build partnerships with Palestinian organizations and advocate for a ceasefire. In Binghamton, clergy from multiple denominations, including Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, and Congregational, are fasting on Thursdays and holding protests to urge local legislators to denounce the war and U.S. involvement. The American Friends Service Committee led a #FastForGaza event on World Hunger Day, highlighting Israel’s blockade that has severely restricted food, water, and medical aid to Gaza’s population. Similarly, a coalition of Christian organizations and Veterans for Peace launched a 40-day fast in New York City to protest the starvation tactics in Gaza and call for the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Israel. These acts of fasting serve as spiritual solidarity with Gaza’s civilians and as political statements demanding humanitarian relief and peace.