Senator Sanders criticizes US State Department's stance on Israel
Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the State Department for asserting that Israel complies with US law and international humanitarian law in its Gaza operations. "Claiming Israel isn't violating international law or obstructing US humanitarian aid is patently absurd," Sanders stated. He accused the State Department of undermining US law and commitments to Congress.
cumhuriyet.com.trSanders's critique followed remarks by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who maintained the US found no evidence of Israel breaching international humanitarian law, based on assurances regarding the use of US weapons.
Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, Sanders pointed out that Israeli policies under Prime Minister Netanyahu have left hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children at risk of starvation, with essential humanitarian aid blocked outside Gaza.
Since Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in nearly 1,200 Israeli fatalities, Israel's military response has led to over 32,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and nearly 74,400 injuries. This conflict has also triggered a severe shortage of basic needs in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide, issuing a preliminary ruling in January that commands Israel to prevent acts of genocide and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilians.
A UN Security Council resolution, passed on Monday, calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. Fourteen members voted in favor, with the US abstaining.