A bipartisan group of US senators, including Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and seven Democrats, has penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to cease arms sales to Israel. The senators highlighted Israel's obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip as the reason for their call.
The letter, sent on Monday, emphasized that Israel's interference with humanitarian operations has hindered the delivery of US aid to Gaza, contravening a law that prohibits military assistance to countries impeding humanitarian aid.
Sanders emphasized that Israel's actions against the Palestinian people are unjustifiable, stating unequivocally, "Israel does not have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian population."
The senators urged Biden to convey to Israel the serious consequences of failing to expand humanitarian access and facilitate safe aid deliveries in Gaza, warning of potential repercussions under existing US law.
Pointing to recent efforts by Biden, such as authorizing an airdrop of ready-to-eat meals and planning the construction of a temporary pier for aid delivery, the senators argued that Israel's obstructionism has prevented much-needed food and supplies from reaching the starving Palestinians in Gaza.
The senators also referenced a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered Israel to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. They highlighted the urgency of addressing the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
Despite the Senate's approval of additional military aid to Israel, the senators condemned Israel's failure to facilitate safe passage for humanitarian organizations and the withholding of aid at checkpoints along the border.
The letter underscores the senators' determination to hold Israel accountable for its actions and prioritize the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
