Senator Chris Van Hollen is proposing an amendment that would place conditions on American aid to Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in the region. The senator, along with other Democratic lawmakers, is concerned about the Israeli government's actions and statements, which they believe have contributed to the escalation of the conflict.
While acknowledging that Hamas initiated the war and engaged in atrocities, Senator Van Hollen believes there is a distinction between the actions of individual Israeli officials and the intent of the Israeli government. He points out that several Israeli politicians have made outrageous statements, but it is important to determine whether these statements reflect the official government position.
The senator also criticizes the Biden administration for not using its leverage effectively to rein in the Israeli counteroffensive and prevent civilian casualties. He claims that the administration should do more to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and increase humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
To address these concerns, Senator Van Hollen has proposed an amendment that would apply to all recipients of US military assistance, including Israel. The amendment requires compliance with international humanitarian law, cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance in conflict areas, and a reporting requirement to ensure accountability.
Senator Bernie Sanders is also seeking answers from the State Department regarding the use of US weapons. Other Democratic lawmakers are calling for an end to the unconditional support for Israel and the prevention of mass displacement.
In terms of humanitarian aid, the senator recently visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza and witnessed the dire situation. He highlights the difficulties in delivering aid within Gaza due to inadequate deconfliction rules and cumbersome Israeli inspection procedures that result in rejected items.
Regarding the wider war in the Middle East, Senator Van Hollen stresses the importance of preventing further escalation and urges all parties to exercise restraint. He mentions the presence of US aircraft carriers in the region to deter potential aggression from Hezbollah and Iran.
In relation to Ukraine, the senator emphasizes the need for additional military assistance to support the Ukrainian government. He warns against abandoning Ukraine, as it would send a detrimental signal to other nations and undermine regional stability.
As the proposed amendment gains support from Senate colleagues, debates regarding US aid to Israel and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to unfold.
