Calls are mounting on the Biden administration from within the Democratic party to exert pressure on Israel to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized the need to utilize all available leverage, urging the administration to withhold military aid to Israel unless Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government takes tangible steps to facilitate aid shipments into Gaza.
Despite these appeals, the White House has yet to respond to the demands or impose conditions on assistance to Israel. Senator Pete Welch echoed concerns, questioning how many more civilian structures must be destroyed before action is taken.
This pressure coincides with President Biden‘s upcoming State of the Union address, amplifying the urgency to address the crisis.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in the displacement of a significant portion of the enclave’s population, exacerbating shortages of essential resources like food, water, and medicine. This dire situation has prompted some voters, particularly within Muslim American communities, to express their discontent through protest votes.
Van Hollen highlighted existing U.S. laws prohibiting weapons sales to countries obstructing humanitarian aid, suggesting that lawmakers may attempt to block new weapons sales to Israel if the crisis persists.
Additionally, Washington has communicated a new national security memorandum to Israel, emphasizing adherence to international law regarding the use of U.S.-provided weapons.
In a separate move, numerous House Democrats penned a letter to President Biden, underscoring the urgency of the situation in Gaza and urging immediate action.
Since the outset of the conflict, casualties have soared, with over 30,700 people killed in the Israeli military campaign against Hamas. The ongoing crisis underscores the need for swift and decisive action to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
