The ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza has triggered an increase in criticism, especially from top Democrats who are urging President Biden to halt the supply of weapons to Israel.
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- Nancy Pelosi joins 36 Congressional Democrats urging Biden to halt weapons transfers to Israel.
- The call comes amid mounting criticism of the Israeli assault on Gaza that has killed over 33,000
- Democrats cite a worsening humanitarian crisis, a recent airstrike that killed seven aid workers.
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Pelosi Joins Congressional Democrats Calling for Halt to U.S. Weapon Transfers to Israel
On Friday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with 36 other Congressional Democrats, sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding an immediate halt to the transfer of U.S. weapons during the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Why This Matters
Israel’s recent military operation in Gaza, which came as a response to the rocket attack by Hamas on October 7th, has been widely criticized by the international community.
According to the Gaza health ministry, the conflict has resulted in over 33,000 deaths so far, with the densely populated coastal strip being severely affected by hunger and deprivation.
Pelosi’s support for blocking arms shipments to Israel shows that this position is becoming increasingly popular among Democrats.
As a veteran party leader and a trusted ally of President Biden, her stance carries significant weight.
The Letter’s Message
The Democrats’ letter specifically called on the Biden administration to investigate the Israeli airstrike on Monday that killed seven staffers of the humanitarian group World Central Kitchen.
It stated:
“In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers.”
In addition to Pelosi, signatories included prominent progressives like Reps. Barbara Lee, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Mounting Pressure on Israel
On Friday, the Israeli military disciplined officers over “serious errors and breaches of procedure” in the fatal airstrike on aid workers.
President Biden also urged Netanyahu in a call on Thursday to better protect civilians, warning of potential changes to U.S. policy.
The conflict’s devastating toll continues to mount.
Hamas’ initial rocket barrage killed 1,200 Israelis, according to Israeli counts.
Israel’s subsequent Gaza assault has displaced nearly all of the territory’s 2.3 million residents, drawing allegations of genocide that Israel denies.
Famine Warnings in Gaza
United Nations agencies have raised urgent alarms about potential famine conditions in Gaza.
In a March report, the U.N.’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) stated that famine is “imminent” in northern Gaza by May and could spread across the strip by July without intervention.
As civilian suffering intensifies, pressure is growing on the U.S. and allies to leverage military aid to Israel and push for a resolution to the spiraling crisis in Gaza.
Pelosi’s letter represents a significant mainstream Democratic voice joining that call.
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