Two letters circulating in the House of Representatives seek humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Initiated by Reps. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the letter asks President Barack Obama to press Israel and Egypt for “immediate relief” from the blockade of Gaza in place since Hamas’ takeover in 2006, and intensified following last winter’s Israel-Gaza war.

The letter notes severe shortages in food, clean water, fuel and sanitation and health supplies. Americans for Peace Now and J Street are among a number of dovish groups backing the letter.

“The people of Gaza have suffered enormously since the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt following Hamas’ coup, and particularly following Operation Cast Lead,” the letter says. “We also sympathize deeply with the people of southern Israel who have suffered from abhorrent rocket and mortar attacks.”

Another letter, initiated by Reps. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Bob Inglis (R-S.C.), is addressed to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and focuses on Israel’s refusal to allow Gazans to attend West Bank universities. — jta