The Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday afternoon on a resolution by Sen. Bernie Sanders, R-Vt., that would require the Biden administration to issue a 30-day vote on whether Israel committed human rights violations during its war with Hamas. If not reported to Congress within the next few days, U.S. aid to Israel could be frozen. .
Sanders' resolution builds on the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which requires the State Department to investigate human rights practices in countries receiving U.S. aid. The law prohibits U.S. aid to foreign governments that are “engaging in consistent and serious violations of internationally recognized human rights.”
If it receives a report and finds violations, Congress would have the power to reduce or stop aid to Israel. Subsequent votes to amend security assistance would require a simple majority for approval.
The resolution is reportedly opposed by the Biden administration and many Democratic lawmakers, who want Congress to pass an additional $60 billion in aid to Israel. However, members of Congress on the more progressive side of the left have expressed support for a ceasefire and a halt to US aid to Israel.
Sen.Bernie Sanders admits it's 'very difficult' for Americans to get excited about Biden's Israel position
Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to introduce a resolution that would freeze aid to Israel unless the Biden administration submits a report on potential human rights abuses. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“This is a humanitarian catastrophe, perpetrated by American bombs and American money. We need to face that fact and end our complicity in that act,” Sanders said. I mentioned this in a previous statement.
The resolution, which faces an uphill battle requiring a simple majority to pass in the Senate, is a step the U.S. government has taken to promote human rights in Israel, limit risks to civilians, and deter Israel. It would require a 30-day report from the administration detailing its actions. Prohibit harmful activities and stay away from such activities. Part of the resolution reaffirms Israel's right to fight back and defend itself against deadly attacks by Hamas.
It would also require an assessment of whether “extraordinary circumstances” exist that justify continued security assistance to Israel, and if so, details of the circumstances that warrant continued funding. .
Many humanitarian organizations and the United Nations rely heavily on death toll data released by the Hamas-run Gaza Strip ministries, which show that more than 20,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the war on October 7. He is presumed dead.
Senators ask Bernie Sanders to hold hearing on scope of anti-Semitism on college campuses
Smoke rises from an area near a power plant on the outskirts of Ashkelon, Israel, on October 7, 2023. (AP photo)
One person killed, dozens injured in Israeli terrorist attack, police say
Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, sparked by the terrorist group's Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, has caused unprecedented destruction in the small coastal enclave and displaced much of Gaza's 2.3 million population. , causing a humanitarian catastrophe that displaced more than a quarter of the population.starvation according to the united nations
Israel says its fighters use civilian buildings and launch attacks from densely populated urban areas, and blames Hamas for the high death toll.
After Hamas attacked Israel, 1,200 people died and about 250 were taken hostage. As of this month, Israel believes it still holds more than 130 hostages in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress remain divided over the war. Some support more aid to Israel, while others call for a complete ceasefire to limit civilian casualties. Republicans remain nearly unanimous in their support for Israel.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather outside the New York Public Library. (Steven Yang, Fox News Digital)
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
