Democratic Senators Call on Biden to Cease Military Assistance to Israel in Light of Humanitarian Emergency
A group of Senate Democrats sent a letter to President Joe Biden on March 12, urging him to enforce U.S. law and stop military aid to Israel in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Senators Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, and Jeff Merkley, along with five others, signed the letter to President Biden, arguing that continuing to supply arms to Israel violates the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act of 19861, which prohibits military support to any nation that hinders U.S.-backed humanitarian aid.
They pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza were the basis for their call to cut off military aid to Israel.
The lawmakers referenced Section 620I of the act, which states that assistance cannot be provided to a country that obstructs U.S. humanitarian aid delivery.
The letter highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of limiting access to aid, leading to severe malnutrition and dehydration among children in the region.
The lawmakers urged President Biden to take immediate action to pressure the Netanyahu government to allow safe aid deliveries in Gaza or face consequences under U.S. law.
They emphasized that while the U.S. should not support countries that impede humanitarian aid, providing missile defense systems like the Iron Dome to Israel for protection is still permitted under the law.
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The letter addressed the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting reports of severe food scarcity and the devastating impact on the population, especially children.
‘Humanitarian Catastrophe’
The lawmakers criticized Netanyahu’s government for obstructing U.S. humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which they argued violates the Foreign Assistance Act.
They called on President Biden to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian access to Gaza or face consequences under U.S. law.
In conclusion, the lawmakers stated that while military aid should be withheld from countries impeding humanitarian assistance, provisions in the law allow for defensive systems like the Iron Dome to be supplied to Israel.
They emphasized the urgent need for action to address the crisis in Gaza and urged the Netanyahu government to change its policies in light of U.S. concerns.
US Drops Emergency Aid in Gaza
The letter was also signed by Senators Mazie Hirono, Peter Welch, Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren, and Ben Ray Luján.
The IPC Famine Review Committee reported that 90% of Gazans, approximately 2.8 million people, are experiencing severe food insecurity, with over 30,000 Palestinians killed following Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7.
President Biden’s remarks on Israel have fluctuated, with conflicting statements about a potential invasion of Gaza and his commitment to Israel during recent interviews.
