In a recent appearance on CBS' "Face The Nation," Sen. Bernie Sanders defended his decision to oppose a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, setting him apart from progressive Democrats in the House. The Vermont senator expressed support for a temporary humanitarian pause in the conflict, but argued that a permanent cease-fire cannot be achieved when Hamas militants have expressed their intent to destroy Israel.

Sanders called for the United States to support a United Nations resolution for a humanitarian cease-fire, which was vetoed by the U.S. government. The resolution aimed to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. However, Sanders expressed doubts about achieving a permanent cease-fire due to Hamas' hostile stance towards Israel.

Meanwhile, progressive "Squad" members, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib have explicitly voiced their support for a cease-fire in Gaza. They gathered on Capitol Hill last week and accused the Israel Defense Forces of targeting civilians and engaging in what they referred to as "genocide".

Sanders acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas but criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach. He expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict's impact on innocent civilians and urged the United States not to provide additional funding to Israel without considering the consequences.

The discussion around the Israel-Hamas war has raised concerns about its potential to further divide the Democratic Party, especially in the lead-up to a presidential election year. Sanders highlighted the American people's mixed reactions to the conflict, with some expressing outrage over Hamas' attacks on Israel and others expressing concern about Israel's actions. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach and expressed skepticism regarding the potential political implications of the conflict.

As the conflict continues, with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health reporting over 17,000 deaths but without distinguishing between civilians and combatants, it remains a complex situation. The United States' recent veto of a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire has drawn attention to the country's role in the conflict.

The world watches closely as tensions persist, hoping for a resolution that ensures the protection of civilians while addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict.