Israel-Gaza Conflict: Bernie Sanders Pushes for Congressional Action to Address Humanitarian Crisis
It has been 100 days since the brutal Hamas attacks on Israel, which have led to a growing divide over the war in the United States. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has been actively addressing the Middle East conflict and pushing for congressional action, particularly regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
One recent development is President Biden's strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Rep. Jayapal, a progressive congresswoman, expressed concern that Congress should have given permission for these strikes, deeming them a violation of the constitution. Sanders agrees that while the president has the right to respond to emergencies like the disruption of international shipping caused by the rebels, Congress should be involved in such decisions as they have the authority to declare war.
Turning to the war in Gaza, Sanders is seeking a vote in Congress to direct the U.S. State Department to investigate whether Israel is using U.S. equipment or assistance to violate human rights standards in Gaza. However, the National Security Council's spokesman, John Kirby, argues that this is not the appropriate resolution or timing, as Israel is purportedly transitioning to lower-intensity operations that could reduce civilian casualties and increase humanitarian aid.
Sanders strongly disagrees with this response. He describes the situation in Gaza as a horrendous humanitarian catastrophe, with a staggering death toll of 23,000 and almost 60,000 injured, with two-thirds of the casualties being women and children. The destruction of housing units in Gaza is also alarming, with 70% of the properties destroyed. The senator compares the devastation to the historic bombing of Dresden during World War II but emphasizes that the destruction in Gaza has surpassed the destruction in Dresden over a two-year period in just three months.
While acknowledging Israel's right to respond to Hamas's terrorist attacks, Sanders criticizes Israel's war on an entire population, particularly innocent civilians and children. He asserts that a significant portion of the destruction in Gaza is carried out using military weapons supplied by the United States, which should only be used in line with international human rights standards and American law.
Sanders acknowledges that getting the required 51 votes for his resolution in Congress will not happen immediately but believes progress is being made. He is determined to address the situation and argues that the United States cannot ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. He calls for an immediate humanitarian pause to ensure food, water, and aid reach the people of Gaza, along with targeted attacks by Israel that avoid indiscriminate bombing and starvation tactics.
In light of President Biden's support for Israel during this conflict, Sanders suggests that young progressives may struggle to rally behind him in November. However, he believes that Biden's opposition to indiscriminate bombing and his expressed concerns should be acted upon. Sanders hopes the president will take a firm stance against Netanyahu's actions and impose consequences on Israel if they do not change their course of action.
