The recent conflict in Gaza has led to a high death toll, with the majority being Palestinians. This is raising concerns in the United States, with some members of Congress questioning the country's support for Israel. They are particularly concerned about the use of American-made weapons in the conflict.
In a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, a group of lawmakers voiced these concerns, pointing out the high number of civilian casualties. They called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the Biden administration to take a more active role in achieving it. The letter also called for the U.S. to reconsider its unconditional support for Israel and to take into account the rights and safety of Palestinians.
The lawmakers went on to point out that the U.S. has a responsibility to ensure its weapons are not used in violation of human rights. They also pointed out that the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act prohibits the provision of security assistance to any country that violates internationally recognized human rights.
The letter was signed by prominent members of Congress, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. They criticized the Biden administration for its response to the conflict, particularly for its decision to approve a $735 million weapons sale to Israel in the midst of the fighting.
There has been a growing movement within the Democratic Party to reconsider the U.S.'s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many are calling for a more balanced approach that takes into account the rights and safety of both Israelis and Palestinians. This movement is gaining traction, particularly among younger and more progressive members of the party.
The recent conflict in Gaza has only served to heighten these concerns. With the death toll rising and the situation showing no signs of improvement, the question of U.S. support for Israel is likely to remain a contentious issue in American politics for some time to come.