‘Serious Violation’: Bernie Sanders Accuses Israel of Breaking International Law By Cutting Off Services to Gaza

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) put out a statement on Wednesday blasting what he called Israel’s “serious violation of international law” in cutting off services to Gaza.

“As a result of this attack, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians — including many women and children have been killed and injured. That toll will rise,” Sanders began, adding:

The gunning down of young Israelis at a music festival is an image the world will not soon forget. Longer term, this attack is a major setback for any hope of peace and reconciliation in the region – and justice for the Palestinian people.

For years, people of good will throughout the world, including some brave Israelis, have struggled against the blockade of Gaza, the daily humiliations of occupation in the West Bank, and the horrendous living conditions faced by so many Palestinians. For many, it is no secret that Gaza has been an open-air prison, with millions of people struggling to secure basic necessities.

“Hamas’ terrorism will make it much more difficult to address that tragic reality and will embolden extremists on both sides, continuing the cycle of violence,” Sanders continued, referencing the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Saturday that left 1,200 Israelis dead – mostly civilians.

“Right now, the international community must focus on reducing humanitarian suffering and protecting innocent people on both sides of this conflict. The targeting of civilians is a war crime, no matter who does it. Israel’s blanket denial of food, water, and other necessities to Gaza is a serious violation of international law and will do nothing but harm innocent civilians,” Sanders continued, adding:

The United States has rightly offered solidarity and support to Israel in responding to Hamas’ attack. But we must also insist on restraint from Israeli forces attacking Gaza and work to secure UN humanitarian access. Let us not forget that half of the two million people in Gaza are children. Children and innocent people do not deserve to be punished for the acts of Hamas.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke to reporters on Wednesday before catching a flight to Israel. He told those gathered that the U.S. continues to negotiate with Egypt, which also shares a land border with Gaza, to let civilians out of the strip, although Blinken refused to offer any specific details.