Bernie Sanders, the Independent Senator from Vermont, firmly stated his belief that Israel should not receive any additional military aid from the United States, despite a recent State Department report. Sanders expressed his views during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where he voiced his concerns about Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas.
The State Department report, released on Friday, expressed concern over Israel’s utilisation of U.S.-supplied arms in a manner that potentially disregarded international law regarding the safeguarding of civilians during the Gaza war.
Sanders emphasised the severe impact of the conflict, referencing data from the Palestinian government controlled by Hamas, which documented numerous casualties, including women and children.
Sanders highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where there has been extensive damage to housing, infrastructure, and healthcare facilities.
This has resulted in a significant threat of starvation for hundreds of thousands of children. He stated that countries that obstruct U.S. humanitarian aid should not be eligible for military assistance from the United States.
Sanders also discussed concerns regarding the withholding of weapons shipments to Israel, noting that there is significant support among Republicans and some Democrats for providing substantial aid to Israel.
However, he pointed out that polls show a majority of Americans support an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance instead of more military involvement.
Sanders concluded by highlighting his concerns about Israel’s growing isolation in the international community. He emphasised the importance of adopting a non-destructive approach to addressing the threat posed by Hamas, while also supporting the Palestinian people’s aspirations for self-determination.
