In a recent development amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., has criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for suggesting that Israeli aid should be conditional based on its actions in Gaza. This move has further widened the divide between Democrats in the United States.

Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, made a statement over the weekend, urging President Biden to pressure Israel into restraining its West Bank settlements and committing to no long-term blockade of Gaza before providing aid dollars from the U.S.

Responding to Sanders' proposition, Moskowitz vowed to work towards removing these conditions from the legislation if it were to reach the House of Representatives. He even suggested imposing stricter measures on aid to Gaza.

"I am absolutely for humanitarian aid to Gaza. But if Bernie Sanders puts political requirements on the Aid to Israel, I will work in the House to remove those conditions or condition Aid to Gaza that requires the removal of Hamas," Moskowitz emphasized in a statement over the weekend. Notably, both Moskowitz and Sanders are Jewish.

Moskowitz also added, "Let's not play this game. Send the aid to both," reflecting his belief that aid should not be contingent on political motivations.

The recent infiltration of Hamas militants into southern Israel on October 7 resulted in a tragic loss of around 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians. In response, Israel launched an armed ground invasion and conducted airstrikes on Gaza. The Hamas-controlled government in Gaza reported that the death toll has already surpassed 13,000 since the start of these hostilities.

The Israel issue has deepened divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between the progressive wing and the left-wing establishment. Last month, over 20 left-leaning Democratic lawmakers voted against a resolution condemning antisemitism and showing support for Hamas on school campuses. Additionally, a number of moderate Democrats later joined Republicans to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., the only Palestinian American in Congress, for her statements regarding the ongoing conflict.

Sanders, in his statement, emphasized that the Netanyahu government or a potential new Israeli government must understand that there will be no financial support from the U.S. unless there is a fundamental change in their military and political positions.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., echoed Sanders' call for conditional aid, stating, "Conditioning aid to Israel, as we do with virtually all other US allies, is a responsible course of action."

The discussion surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict has clearly highlighted the rift within the Democratic Party and raised debates about the approach towards aid allocation in the region. The coming weeks will determine whether efforts to remove or include conditional aid to Israel and Gaza gain traction within the House of Representatives.