NEWSLINE PAPER,- President Joe Biden has been encouraged by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen to use his legal authority and influence to put pressure on Israel to alter its strategy on the Gaza conflict. Senator Van Hollen of Maryland is among a group of senators who are pushing for Israel to stop receiving offensive weapons until it removes obstacles to the flow of food and medicine to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is worsening and children are at risk of starvation and famine.
Van Hollen stressed in an interview that "we need the president and the Biden administration to exert more pressure and utilize all available means of U.S. policy to prevent starvation deaths."
In a recent letter to President Biden, Van Hollen and seven other senators claimed that Israel's conduct violated the Foreign Assistance Act. A clause in this bill forbids the transfer or sale of military hardware to any country that hinders the delivery of aid from the United States.
The appeal for action coincides with growing pressure from both local and foreign quarters over what detractors see as an inherently contradictory U.S. approach to Israel's struggle with Hamas. The U.S. continues to arm Israel even as it works to mitigate the humanitarian situation that has worsened as a result of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Van Hollen chastised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for brazenly rejecting Biden's entreaties to step up efforts to safeguard civilians in Gaza and work toward a lasting settlement that would involve the creation of a Palestinian state.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu has obstructed the president's efforts to bring some hope amidst this dire situation," Van Hollen said.
In recent weeks, Biden has voiced more disapproval of Israel's military campaign and expressed worry about civilian deaths in Gaza. He hasn't yet, however, complied with Democratic demands to use future military assistance to influence Israel's actions in the conflict.
In Gaza, where more than 25% of the population lives in extreme poverty and starvation is becoming more possible, the UN has issued warnings about the catastrophic situation. In reaction to a Hamas strike, Israel initiated a military campaign that has caused substantial damage and deaths, the majority of whom were civilians.
Humanitarian workers claim that although Israel has promised to increase relief supplies, the existing level of aid is significantly less than what is required. Israeli restrictions are making it more difficult to send humanitarian relief, which is making the situation worse.
Van Hollen's demand for more pressure on Israel is based on his personal experience visiting the Rafah crossing in January and witnessing firsthand the difficulties in providing supplies. He cited the most significant challenges as drawn-out inspection procedures and the capricious denial of humanitarian supplies, especially life-saving medical equipment.
The senator underlined how crucial it is that Israel expedite the delivery of aid and guarantee the security of relief workers in Gaza. Van Hollen's position is consistent with an increasing number of American senators' views, as demonstrated by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's recent speech advocating for an Israeli leadership transition.
Van Hollen and his colleagues stressed in their letter to President Biden the necessity of taking quick action to solve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the significance of making Israel legally responsible for its conduct. They asked the government to assess if Israel is fulfilling its obligations to provide aid and, in the event that it isn't, to think about withholding military support.