More than 30 Democratic members of the US House of Representatives have penned a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging a complete halt to the transfer of weapons to Israel.
The letter, signed by lawmakers including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, emphasized concerns over recent strikes in Gaza and the escalating humanitarian crisis. It cited the recent attack on aid workers and the worsening situation as reasons to reconsider approving weapons transfers to Israel.
The move comes amid mounting pressure on the White House and Western governments to reevaluate their support for Israel, particularly in light of ongoing military actions in Gaza. Despite pledges to increase humanitarian aid delivery, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with a significant death toll and reports of famine.
This week, Israel announced plans to reopen the Beit Hanoon crossing with northern Gaza for aid following criticism from Biden over strikes on humanitarian workers. However, the legislators underscored that these efforts alone are insufficient to address the urgent needs on the ground.
In addition to calling for a cessation of arms transfers, the lawmakers urged the Biden administration to conduct its own investigation into the recent Israeli attack on aid workers. The Israeli military has taken disciplinary action following an inquiry into the incident.
The letter also highlighted the broader impact of such attacks on humanitarian operations in Gaza, noting the suspension of operations by organizations like the World Central Kitchen.
Hassan Barari, a professor at Qatar University, characterized the letter as indicative of a shift within the American political landscape, with growing support for a reevaluation of US policies toward Israel.
The United Nations Human Rights Council recently adopted a resolution calling for accountability for potential war crimes committed in Gaza and demanding a halt to arms sales to Israel. While some countries have suspended arms sales, others, including the United States, continue to provide military support to Israel.
In the United Kingdom, opposition parties and segments of the governing Conservative Party have also voiced concerns over arms sales to Israel, reflecting broader international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
