Elizabeth Warren Criticizes Biden Administration's Immunity Towards Israel Over Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
ICARO Media Group
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Senator Elizabeth Warren has voiced strong disapproval of the Biden administration's reluctance to penalize Israel despite the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. She has also publicly endorsed a joint congressional resolution aimed at overturning executive actions that permit continued military support to Israel.
According to Israeli data, the aid flowing into Gaza has plummeted to a record low over the past 11 months. Last month, the Biden administration issued a 30-day ultimatum to Israel to enhance humanitarian conditions or face a potential withdrawal of military assistance. However, as the deadline expired, international aid organizations highlighted Israel's failure to meet the set conditions. Despite this, the US State Department announced no punitive action against Israel, maintaining that the country had shown limited progress and thus had not breached US law.
Warren, the Senator from Massachusetts, expressed her discontent with the Biden administration's decision. "On October 13, the Biden administration informed Prime Minister Netanyahu that significant improvements in humanitarian aid to Gaza were required within 30 days to avoid repercussions, including the potential cessation of military aid. Yet, 30 days later, with insufficient action from Israel, the administration has not taken steps to halt the delivery of offensive weapons," Warren's statement read.
For the first time, Warren has backed a joint resolution of disapproval in Congress, a legislative measure that can overturn executive actions if it passes both the House of Representatives and the Senate. She warned that by not enforcing US law, the Biden administration risks damaging America's credibility on the global stage. Warren called on Congress to take responsibility and hold Prime Minister Netanyahu's government accountable.
Eight international aid agencies have confirmed Israel's failure to improve access for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Experts warn that parts of Gaza may soon face famine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged that Israel had made some strides in aiding Gaza, but insisted that more substantial and sustained efforts were necessary.
President Biden has supported Israel following an attack by Hamas gunmen in October 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages. Since then, more than 43,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with 2 million displaced and extensive destruction throughout the region. As Biden's term nears its end in January, his administration faces mounting pressure from Democrats over his approach to the conflict.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland criticized Biden's stance as "shameful," given the suffering in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders also plans to introduce joint resolutions next week to block certain arms sales to Israel, claiming that Netanyahu's government is violating US and international laws with its aggressive actions in Gaza.
In a parallel effort, 15 senators and 69 House representatives have advocated for the US administration to hold members of Netanyahu's government accountable for increased settler violence, settlement expansion, and destabilizing actions in the West Bank. Among those targeted for accountability are Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.