Senate Democrats are accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians. This comes amid threats from Israel regarding a potential takeover of Gaza City and plans to annex parts of the West Bank.
Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reached these conclusions after a week-long visit to the region, where they observed actions seemingly aimed at removing territorial or religious groups through intimidation or force.
“From our discussions and observations, we believe that the Netanyahu administration is actively engaged in ethnic cleansing in Gaza and a slow-motion version in the West Bank,” they stated.
While ethnic cleansing isn’t formally defined under international law, it can be considered a crime against humanity and may relate to broader legal issues concerning genocide, according to the United Nations.
The International Court of Justice is set to review whether Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others related to war crimes stemming from the conflict with Hamas. These warrants also target leaders of extremist groups involved in the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, although many of them were killed in subsequent fighting.
Van Hollen and Merkley are part of a growing faction of Democrats critical of the war in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have reportedly died, with hunger leading to further dire consequences over the coming decades.
The allegations of ethnic cleansing mark a significant escalation in their critiques, calling on the international community to act against Netanyahu and former President Trump’s initiatives that encourage Palestinian displacement from Gaza and the West Bank.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life, is exacerbated by escalating violence in the West Bank, driven by right-wing factions aiming to annex Palestinian territories under Netanyahu’s government.
“The hope for a two-state solution is precarious,” Van Hollen remarked, referencing years of attempts to establish a Palestinian state alongside Gaza and the West Bank.
“We’re already seeing barriers to this cohabitation approach. If we continue down the current path, we might completely close that door,” he noted.
Options for establishing a Palestinian state appear limited, particularly in the absence of U.S. support for negotiations.
Criticism of Israel is slowly increasing within Congress, even as the majority still supports Israel. A significant portion of Senate Democrats recently voted against arms sales to Israel.
While Republicans remain largely unified in their support for Israel, dissent exists, with prominent conservative figures voicing concerns. Overall, American voter approval of Israel’s actions is on the decline, especially among younger Republicans.
“It seems to me that public sentiment may be ahead of Congress on this issue,” Van Hollen suggested.
Concern over the situation in Gaza is growing, and more people seem to be recognizing that the U.S. should not support ongoing hunger and suffering there.
Meanwhile, Trump is championing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He recently proposed on his social media platform that Hamas could return hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.
Reportedly, Israel and the Trump administration have discussed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to African countries during the reconstruction phase, with tentative suggestions about the timeline.
Trump has also floated a controversial plan suggesting a temporary relocation of two million Palestinians, supposedly to facilitate rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Van Hollen criticized this plan as “absolutely sick,” suggesting it prioritizes investor profits at the expense of displaced populations.
“This narrative is incredibly harmful,” he stated. “People have lost their homes, schools, and access to vital resources. It’s unfathomable to frame this as anything other than a tragedy.”
Van Hollen and Merkley are calling for a coordinated international effort, involving Europe and Arab nations, to pressure Israel into recognizing Palestinian rights and working towards a two-state solution.
“If any hope remains, it hinges on providing security and economic incentives to Israel while acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty,” Merkley added. “Admittedly, the prospects seem dim, but global disappointment regarding the situation’s progression is palpable.”
