Senator Bernie Sanders Criticizes Congressional Invitation to Netanyahu: Calls Out Alleged War Crimes

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Jakarta, Kowantaranews.com – In a powerful speech on the Senate floor, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his deep concerns about the upcoming address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint meeting of Congress. Sanders, known for his outspoken stance on international human rights issues, did not mince words, referring to Netanyahu as a “war criminal” due to ongoing allegations related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Sanders began by contextualizing the historical significance of the event, stating that Congress has previously hosted leaders from diverse political backgrounds. However, he noted, this occasion would be unprecedented as it marks the first time a leader accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) would be given the honor of addressing Congress. Sanders emphasized that this decision tarnishes the United States’ credibility on the global stage when advocating for human rights and international law.

The senator elaborated on the charges against Netanyahu, explaining that the ICC’s allegations focus on the Israeli Prime Minister’s role in the Gaza conflict. The charges include the use of starvation as a method of warfare and deliberate attacks on civilian populations, actions that are purportedly in direct violation of international humanitarian laws. Sanders highlighted that these accusations are not merely rhetorical; they are backed by reports from international bodies, including a separate investigation by a UN independent commission of inquiry. This commission concluded that both Hamas and Israeli forces have committed war crimes, with Netanyahu’s government allegedly responsible for actions resulting in widespread civilian casualties.

Central to Sanders’ critique was the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, a region besieged by conflict and suffering. He presented sobering statistics, noting that since the conflict intensified, at least 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 89,000 injured—numbers that include a significant proportion of women, children, and the elderly. Sanders underscored that these figures likely underreport the true scale of the disaster, as many bodies remain buried under rubble, unaccounted for in the official death toll.

The senator painted a bleak picture of the living conditions in Gaza, describing extensive destruction of infrastructure and homes. He reported that over a million people, nearly half of Gaza’s population, have been displaced, many repeatedly, as a result of the ongoing violence. This displacement has left vast numbers of people homeless, struggling to survive in makeshift shelters amid a devastated urban landscape.

Sanders also addressed the broader destruction of Gaza’s essential services, particularly focusing on the collapse of healthcare, water, and sanitation systems. He highlighted that 21 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are out of service, leaving the remaining facilities overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of the injured and sick. The senator cited data from the World Health Organization, which documented over 1,000 attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict’s escalation, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.

One of the most harrowing aspects of Sanders’ speech concerned the starvation crisis in Gaza. He accused the Israeli government of intentionally blocking humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, a tactic he labeled as a deliberate and cruel form of collective punishment against the civilian population. Sanders referenced estimates from international aid organizations indicating that nearly 495,000 Palestinians are at risk of starvation, with reports of children already succumbing to malnutrition.

Sanders called for a moment of reflection among his congressional colleagues, urging them to consider the moral and ethical implications of their actions, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy and military aid to Israel. He pointed out the stark contradiction in condemning war crimes while simultaneously providing substantial military aid to a government accused of committing such acts. Sanders cited a letter from major American labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Auto Workers (UAW), calling on President Biden to halt military aid to Israel. These unions, representing millions of American workers, expressed their dismay at the U.S. role in supporting actions that contribute to the suffering in Gaza.

In his closing remarks, Sanders reiterated his call for accountability and justice, not only for the leaders directly involved but also for the broader international community. He emphasized that the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank is not solely a humanitarian disaster but a consequence of deliberate policy choices by an extremist government. Sanders urged Congress to reconsider its stance, advocating for a more balanced and human rights-focused approach to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Sanders’ speech has already sparked significant debate and discussion both within and outside of Congress. Supporters of Netanyahu and Israel’s right to defend itself have condemned Sanders’ remarks as unfair and one-sided, while human rights advocates and progressive groups have praised his courage in speaking out against what they see as clear violations of international law and basic human rights.

The speech comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-Israel relations, highlighting deep divisions within American politics over the appropriate response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Netanyahu prepares to address Congress, Sanders’ remarks serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and moral challenges that underpin this longstanding geopolitical issue. *Mukroni

Senator Bernie Sanders Criticizes Congressional Invitation to Netanyahu: Calls Out Alleged War Crimes

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