Democratic legislators cite Israeli non-compliance with humanitarian aid demands in Gaza, call for adherence to US laws prohibiting support for war crimes.
Washington DC [US], December 19: A group of 20 Democratic lawmakers has called on President Joe Biden’s administration to halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, citing non-compliance with US demands for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the legislators stressed the need for the US to uphold its laws restricting military aid to nations accused of committing war crimes or obstructing humanitarian assistance.
Key Concerns in the Letter
The lawmakers expressed concerns about the implications of continued arms transfers:
“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.
The letter also warned that failing to act would embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza, further isolating Israel on the global stage and contributing to regional instability.
US Lawmakers Demand Compliance
Congressman Greg Casar, one of the signatories, highlighted that US law prohibits weapons transfers to Israel if it blocks sufficient aid to 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.”
Administration’s Previous Ultimatum
In October, the Biden administration issued an ultimatum to Israel, warning that failure to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza within 30 days would have consequences. Despite nominal progress, the lawmakers argue that Israel fell short of meeting the administration’s minimum standards.
Legal Action Filed Against US State Department
Meanwhile, five Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, and the United States have filed a lawsuit against the US State Department. The suit accuses the department of violating US laws by funding Israeli military units allegedly involved in human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture.
The lawsuit, announced on Tuesday, alleges that the State Department has failed to enforce federal laws prohibiting funds to foreign military units engaged in gross human rights violations.
