US senator slams Biden administration for inaction on Israel’s aid obligations
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 22: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Progressive U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has denounced the Biden administration for failing to penalize Israel after it disregarded Washington’s ultimatum to improve humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
The Democratic senator endorsed a joint resolution of disapproval in Congress following the State Department’s decision not to take punitive action against Israel, despite official figures showing aid to Gaza has dropped to an 11-month low.
“On Oct. 13, the Biden administration told Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu that his government had 30 days to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza or face the consequences under U.S. law, which would include cutting off military assistance,” Warren said in a statement. “Thirty days later, the Biden administration acknowledged that Israel’s actions had not significantly expanded food, water, and basic necessities for desperate Palestinian civilians. Despite Netanyahu’s failure to meet the United States’ demands, the Biden administration has taken no action to restrict the flow of offensive weapons.”
International aid organizations warn that Israel has fallen far short of the White House’s stated targets, with famine likely imminent in parts of Gaza. The State Department, however, argued that Israel has made limited progress and is not blocking relief, maintaining it had not violated U.S. law.
Warren called the administration’s inaction a “grave mistake” that “undermines American credibility worldwide” and urged Congress to step in with a resolution of disapproval to enforce U.S. law.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders echoed her concerns, announcing plans to introduce resolutions to block future weapons sales to Israel.
With the humanitarian situation at its lowest ebb, Israel’s attacks on Gaza have killed at least 43,764 Palestinians and wounded 103,490 since October 7, 2023.
An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and more than 200 were taken captive.
