January 19, 2024
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to the media following a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Cited article by Reuters
HRRC advocates that a human rights report on Israel is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability, fostering international adherence to human rights standards.
News Brief
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution to freeze security aid to Israel unless the State Department produces a report within 30 days on human rights violations during its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders initiated the vote, reflecting concerns among some Democrats about U.S. weapons supply to Israel amid the Gaza conflict's impact on Palestinian civilians. The resolution was defeated, with 72 senators voting against it. The White House opposed the resolution, stating it could lead to conditions on security assistance to Israel. Critics argued the resolution sent the wrong message, especially as Israel shifted to a more targeted campaign.
The resolution, filed under the Foreign Assistance Act, aimed to compel a human rights report within 30 days. If passed, Congress could propose changes to security assistance based on the report. Israel launched the war against Hamas, resulting in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite U.S. efforts to reduce civilian casualties, Israel remains committed to eradicating Hamas, and the conflict persists.