Independent Senator Bernie Sanders recently expressed his strong disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Congress, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sanders criticized Netanyahu's actions, stating that the prime minister had waged a devastating war against the Palestinian people, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.
Sanders highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where a large percentage of the population, including women and children, have been killed or wounded, and essential infrastructure such as housing units and universities have been decimated. He emphasized the urgent need to address the imminent starvation and suffering faced by the Palestinian population.
Regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's stance on the matter, Sanders supported the call for accountability and adherence to international standards in cases of war crimes. He drew attention to the prosecutor's previous actions against other world leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, for similar violations.
Responding to the argument that Netanyahu should not be equated with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Sanders maintained that while Netanyahu leads a democratic nation, his actions in Gaza still constitute a violation of international law. He stressed the importance of holding all parties involved in the conflict accountable for their actions.
Sanders' remarks underscored the need for consistent standards in addressing violations of international law and humanitarian crises worldwide. He cautioned against turning a blind eye to atrocities committed during conflicts, as it could set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.