A group of twenty Democratic legislators has called on President Joe Biden’s administration to halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, citing non-compliance with US demands to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In a letter sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, the lawmakers emphasized that the US must enforce its own laws, which prohibit military assistance to nations implicated in war crimes or those obstructing humanitarian efforts.
“We believe continuing to transfer offensive weapons to the Israeli government prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people and risks our own national security by sending a message to the world that the US will apply its laws, policies, and international law selectively,” the letter read.
Failure to Meet Humanitarian Conditions
The letter referenced an ultimatum issued by the Biden administration in October, demanding that Israel facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza within 30 days. However, humanitarian organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam have accused Israel of failing to meet the stipulated conditions.
For instance, US officials had demanded that 350 aid trucks enter Gaza daily. Instead, only 42 trucks on average were allowed through during the 30-day window. Moreover, humanitarian groups reported that the situation on the ground worsened significantly, particularly in northern Gaza, due to Israel’s actions.
“While Israel made nominal progress in some areas, it overwhelmingly failed to meet the minimum standards laid out in the Administration’s own letter,” the lawmakers stated.
Mounting Civilian Toll in Gaza
The Israeli blockade and the ongoing war in Gaza have led to devastating humanitarian consequences. The destruction of infrastructure and essential services has resulted in deadly hunger across the territory. Local health authorities report that more than 45,000 people have been killed since the conflict began.
United Nations experts and international rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes, including the use of hunger as a weapon of war.
US Progressive Lawmakers Take a Stand
The letter to Blinken was spearheaded by Representatives Summer Lee and Greg Casar, the incoming chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Casar took to social media to emphasize the urgency of halting arms transfers:
“U.S. law is clear: if the Netanyahu government does not allow sufficient food & medicine to enter Gaza, then the U.S. cannot send weapons,” Casar wrote.
Despite these efforts, the Biden administration has shown no indication of altering its course. The administration has provided Israel with $17.9 billion in military aid in the first year of the Gaza war, according to a recent Brown University study.
Legal Action Seeks Accountability
The congressional push coincides with a lawsuit filed by Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and the United States, demanding an end to military support for Israeli army units accused of human rights violations.
As progressive lawmakers and rights groups amplify their criticisms, the Biden administration faces growing pressure to reassess its unwavering support for Israel amidst mounting civilian casualties and humanitarian violations.
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