The US Senate blocked legislation meant to halt the sale of some US weapons to Israel amidst concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders had introduced resolutions to block the recent $20bn arms sale to Israel. However, the resolutions failed to advance, with most Democrats and all Republicans voting against them.
Sanders criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and the US’s complicity in providing military aid. Despite Israel missing deadlines for humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Biden administration did not take action. Senator Elizabeth Warren supported the resolutions and condemned the administration for not upholding US law regarding human rights violations.
More than 65% of infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed, leading to a humanitarian crisis with widespread displacement and reports of malnutrition and imminent famine. Oxfam called for the Senate to end arms transfers to Israel to prevent further escalation of the crisis. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no sign of resolution.
Efforts led by Sanders to stop arms sales to Israel did not succeed, but supporters hoped it would encourage both Israel and the Biden administration to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite repeated calls for action, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with thousands killed and widespread destruction. The Senate’s failure to pass the resolutions highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the conflict and protecting civilians in Gaza.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com