Burlington, VT, November 18 - Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has called for the conditioning of U.S. aid to Israel as the crisis in Gaza and the West Bank continues to escalate. In a statement released today, Sanders highlighted the need for a fundamental change in Israel's military and political positions before any further aid is provided.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of 1,200 innocent Israeli citizens while over 200 hostages remain in captivity. With Hamas openly expressing its intention to destroy Israel, the country has been exercising its right to self-defense. However, Sanders argues that the right-wing extremist government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been engaging in excessive warfare against the Palestinian population, violating international law and moral principles.

The humanitarian situation in the region has reached critical levels, with 1.6 million Palestinians displaced from their homes and basic necessities such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel severely cut off. Shockingly, approximately 12,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including a significant number of children, further emphasizing the urgency to address the crisis.

Currently, the United States provides $3.8 billion annually in aid to Israel, with the Biden administration seeking an additional $14.3 billion. However, Sanders firmly states that no further financial assistance will be extended unless there is a significant shift in Israel's military and political stance. Specific conditions highlighted by Sanders include granting displaced Gazans the right to return to their homes, ensuring no long-term re-occupation or blockade of Gaza by Israel, and putting an end to settler violence in the West Bank while freezing any expansion of settlements.

The call to condition aid to Israel reflects growing international concern over the ongoing violence in the region. While Israel's right to defend itself is recognized, the focus now shifts towards urging a more measured approach that minimizes civilian casualties and restores basic human rights.

As the crisis deepens, it is expected that Sanders' statement will resonate with both domestic and international audiences, spurring further debate and discussion on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Biden administration and world leaders will be closely watching Israel's response and any potential shifts in their military and political strategies to gauge the possibility of reconsidering aid demands and supporting a lasting peace in the region.