United States Senator Bernie Sanders has delivered a scathing critique of the Israeli government’s military operations in Gaza, arguing vehemently against what he describes as a disproportionate and unjustified assault on the Palestinian population.
Sanders made his remarks in a video posted on his X platform, directly responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for increased US military support amid ongoing hostilities.
Sanders began by accusing the Netanyahu government of causing immense human suffering, asserting that Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 85,000, a majority of whom are women, children, or elderly individuals.
Highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sanders pointed out that the conflict has severely damaged civilian infrastructure, including vital water and sewage systems. He emphasised that Gaza faces acute electricity shortages, exacerbating living conditions amid sweltering temperatures.
The senator criticised Netanyahu’s leadership, citing accusations of war crimes levelled against him by international bodies such as the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.
Sanders pointed to Netanyahu’s recent video plea for expedited US arms shipments, which he characterised as prioritising military escalation over humanitarian concerns.
Sanders acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence against terrorism but argued vehemently against what he termed as a broad and indiscriminate military campaign targeting the entire Palestinian populace.
He condemned the displacement of approximately 1.8 million Palestinians and the extensive destruction of housing infrastructure, with over 60% of residential buildings in Gaza reportedly damaged or destroyed.
Sanders also highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza’s healthcare and education sectors, noting that 19 hospitals have been rendered inoperable and all twelve of Gaza’s universities have been bombed, affecting 625,000 students.
Humanitarian organisations have sounded alarms over a looming famine in Gaza, exacerbated by restrictions on humanitarian aid that have led to acute malnutrition among thousands of children under five.
Regarding Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress, Sanders criticised the invitation, arguing that honouring leaders accused of using starvation as a weapon of war contradicts humanitarian values.
Calling for a shift in US policy, Sanders urged the withholding of offensive military aid to Israel and emphasised the need to use diplomatic leverage to achieve a ceasefire, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and halt violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Sanders reiterated his support for a two-state solution, emphasising the necessity of concrete steps towards peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
The senator’s remarks reflect growing international scrutiny of Israeli military tactics and their humanitarian impact amidst calls for accountability and renewed efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, Sanders’s outspoken condemnation underscores deep divisions within the US Congress and the global community regarding the ethical implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
