In response to growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US Senate recently rejected calls to halt the supply of some American weapons to Israel. With joint resolutions of disapproval, Senator Bernie Sanders led the effort to block the Biden administration’s proposed $20 billion arms agreement with Israel. However, only about 20 of the Senate’s 100 members supported these resolutions, indicating that they lacked sufficient support.
Senator Sanders accused the United States of culpability because of its continued military support for Israel’s continuous military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 43,000 deaths. He emphasized that military assistance to organizations involved in human rights violations is illegal under U.S. law. Even after Israel failed to meet a U.S.-imposed obligation to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Biden administration has persisted in facilitating weaponry deliveries in contravention of this legal framework.
Senator Elizabeth Warren and others also supported the resolutions, emphasizing the need to hold Israel responsible and make sure that U.S. activities align with its legal and moral framework. Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, stated that he was against the transfer of weapons that have been used in bombing campaigns that have caused a great deal of damage and fatalities. The United Nations says that 90% of the Palestinian population has been displaced and that over 65% of houses and vital infrastructure has been destroyed, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Despite its failure, this attempt to block military sales aimed to express dissatisfaction of Israeli policy and to put pressure on Israel and the Biden administration to address the growing humanitarian situation.
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