Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, alongside several colleagues, has urged President Joe Biden to leverage US policy to compel Israel to alter its conduct in the Gaza conflict.
Van Hollen advocates for halting offensive weapon provision until Israel eases restrictions on food and medicine deliveries to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is escalating. He emphasizes the urgency of preventing starvation-related deaths among the population.
Van Hollen’s call underscores a perceived contradiction in US policy: while striving to alleviate Gaza’s crisis, the US continues to arm Israel, which faces criticism for its military actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s purported disregard for Biden’s appeals to safeguard Gazan civilians and pursue a lasting peace exacerbates tensions between the two nations.
The United Nations has warned of a dire situation in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population faces starvation. Israel’s military campaign, initiated in response to Hamas attacks, has caused widespread devastation and civilian casualties. Despite Biden’s authorization of humanitarian aid initiatives, critics argue they are insufficient compared to unimpeded land deliveries.
Israel has faced accusations of impeding aid flow into Gaza, though it denies such claims. International pressure has prompted limited concessions from Israel, including increased aid deliveries. However, humanitarian workers assert that these measures fall short of addressing the crisis adequately.
Van Hollen’s advocacy is informed by witnessing the challenging aid delivery process during a visit to Gaza’s border crossings. He highlights arbitrary rejections of essential items like maternity kits, exacerbating the suffering of Gazan civilians, particularly pregnant women. The danger faced by aid workers further complicates relief efforts.
The senator’s stance aligns with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recent criticism of Netanyahu, signaling growing dissatisfaction within the US political establishment.
Van Hollen urges the Biden administration to enforce existing laws mandating humanitarian aid access and assess Israel’s compliance. He emphasizes the need for decisive action if Israel escalates the conflict further, potentially jeopardizing US-Israel relations.
