Senator Bernie Sanders to Force Senate Votes Blocking Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced plans to force immediate Senate votes to halt offensive arms sales to Israel, citing the Netanyahu government’s role in civilian casualties and a worsening famine in Gaza. The move comes as reports detail children dying of starvation and aid blockades turning distribution sites into “killing fields.”
Key Details of the Resolutions
On July 30, the Senate will vote on two measures:
- S.J.Res.34: Blocks a $675.7 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs, JDAM guidance kits, and related military support.
- S.J.Res.41: Prohibits the sale of tens of thousands of automatic assault rifles to Israeli forces.
Sanders condemned U.S. complicity, stating, “We cannot continue funding a government that has killed 60,000 Palestinians, blocked aid, and created mass starvation. Children’s organs are shutting down—this is a direct result of Netanyahu’s policies.”
Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
Recent weeks have seen dozens of children perish from malnutrition, with doctors warning of an imminent famine death wave. Israel’s blockade and replacement of UN aid systems with the untested Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) have exacerbated the crisis. Over 1,000 Palestinians have been shot while seeking food at GHF sites, according to eyewitness accounts.
Legal and Moral Concerns
The arms sales violate U.S. laws like the Foreign Assistance Act, given documented use of U.S. weapons in strikes on civilians and humanitarian sites. The rifles would bolster forces under Itamar Ben-Gvir, a convicted extremist advocating Palestinian expulsion. Sanders emphasized, “Congress must leverage military aid to demand an end to these atrocities.”
Broader Implications
The votes signal growing dissent over unconditional U.S. support for Israel amid its war in Gaza and West Bank violence. Sanders urged lawmakers to “stop funding Israel’s illegal war” and prioritize human rights.
Final Note: The Senate’s decision could mark a pivotal shift in U.S. policy as global scrutiny of Gaza’s humanitarian disaster intensifies.
For further updates, follow live coverage of the Senate session tomorrow.
