Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna Says Israel Must Face ‘Consequences’ For ‘Standing In The Way’ Of U.S. Aid to Gaza

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) demanded Israel face “consequences” for reportedly blocking humanitarian aid to civilians inside the Gaza region amidst the war with Hamas.

The California lawmaker joined CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan for an interview on Sunday’s Face The Nation to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Gaza region. Khanna backed the Biden administration’s decision earlier this week to airdrop aid to civilians in Gaza amid reports of a lack of food and medical supply.

Moreover, approximately 100 people were killed after IDF troops reportedly opened fire on a group of civilians gathering for food aid trucks in western Gaza City. Khanna noted that the incident “has shocked the conscience of the world” and should be investigated.

Khanna then implored the White House to call for a long-term ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Hours later, Vice President Kamala Harris demanded an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza for the next six weeks in order to move humanitarian aid into the region.

BRENNAN: But this is only happening because the an ally of the United States, the largest recipient of U.S. military aid in the world, was not allowing in the aid. And now that it is coming across the border, the distribution is a massive, logistically complicated and unsafe operation. Should there be consequences for standing in the way of U.S. humanitarian aid?

KHANNA: Yes, Margaret, there should. I mean, we should make it clear that we’re not going to continue to transfer weapons. As I asked Secretary Austin at the hearing…We can’t continue to transfer weapons while we’re transferring aid. And that policy doesn’t make sense. Here’s the thing. Look, the killing of over 100 Palestinians who were simply going to a food truck to get food, whether by a stampede or by shooting.

We don’t know all the facts. There should be an investigation. But that has shocked the conscience of the world. And my plea to this president, who I support deeply is, Mr. President, call for a permanent ceasefire.

There’s too much suffering and the release of all hostages. The policy of bear hugging Netanyahu has not worked. Reach out to some of the former Obama officials like Ben Rhodes, Tommy Weider, who have been saying, we need a new direction of policy. We need a permanent cease fire, release of hostages. We need to call for a Palestinian state, a summit with our Gulf allies. The current policy is not working.

Watch the clip above via CBS News.