Twenty Democratic lawmakers in the United States have urged President Joe Biden’s administration to halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, citing the Israeli government’s failure to comply with U.S. demands for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
In a letter sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, the legislators called on Washington to adhere to its own laws that restrict military assistance to nations committing war crimes or obstructing U.S.-supported humanitarian aid, Al Jazeera reported.
“We believe continuing to transfer offensive weapons to the Israeli government prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people and risks our own national security by sending a message to the world that the US will apply its laws, policies, and international law selectively,” the letter stated, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Must Read: Netherlands PM Dick Schoof Discusses Enhancing Ties With India In Call With PM Modi
The lawmakers warned that inaction would extend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military operations in Gaza, further isolate Israel internationally, and contribute to regional instability.
Congressman Greg Casar emphasized that U.S. law prohibits providing weapons to Israel if it fails to allow adequate aid into Gaza. In a post on X, Casar wrote, “Today, I’m leading 20 Members of Congress to demand that the Biden Admin withhold offensive weapons from the Israeli military. U.S. law is clear: if the Netanyahu government does not allow sufficient food & medicine to enter Gaza, then the U.S. cannot send weapons.”
Today, I’m leading 20 Members of Congress to demand that the Biden Admin withhold offensive weapons from the Israeli military.
U.S. law is clear: if the Netanyahu government does not allow sufficient food & medicine to enter Gaza, then the U.S. cannot send weapons. pic.twitter.com/NHhhZMuGt1
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) December 17, 2024
The Biden administration had previously issued an ultimatum to Israel in October, with U.S. officials warning that humanitarian aid must flow into Gaza within 30 days or face consequences.
“While Israel made nominal progress in some areas, it overwhelmingly failed to meet the minimum standards laid out in the Administration’s own letter,” the legislators wrote.
In addition to the congressional action, five Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, and the United States have filed a lawsuit against the State Department. The suit accuses the Department of violating U.S. federal law by supporting Israeli military units allegedly involved in “gross violations” such as extrajudicial killings and torture.
Announcing the lawsuit on Tuesday, the plaintiffs argue that the State Department has failed to enforce laws prohibiting the transfer of funds to foreign military forces engaged in human rights abuses, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Also Read: EAM Jaishankar Meets African Journalists, Highlights India’s Transformation
