Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks at a press conference on raising the federal minimum wage outside the U.S. Capitol Building May 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. During his remarks Sanders announced that he would be introducing a bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized the decision of Israel to conduct a complete blockade in Gaza. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch, an international human rights advocacy organization, explained why Israel's retaliation is concerning.
The comments of the senator and the human rights group came as Israel cuts essential supplies in Gaza, such as fuel, electricity, water, and food.
Israel's Gaza Blockade Criticized by Sen. Bernie Sanders
According to Fox News' latest report, Bernie Sanders criticized Israel on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The American senator claimed that the complete blockade made by the Israeli government is a serious violation of international law.
"The targeting of civilians is a war crime, no matter who does it," said Sanders.
"Israel's blanket denial of food, water, and other necessities to Gaza is a serious violation of international law and will do nothing but harm innocent civilians," he added.
On Monday, Oct. 9, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a complete supply blockade in Gaza after Israelis in southern Israel were killed and kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist group.
He argued that since they are fighting against "human animals," they must act accordingly to how these terrorists move. With this mindset, Gallant concluded that Gaza should have no electricity, fuel, water, or food.
Before Israel launched its supply cuts against Gaza, Sanders also condemned the attacks of the Palestinian terrorist group, saying that the previous incident, which killed hundreds of Israelis and injured thousands, was a major setback for any hope and peace in the region.
But, the U.S. senator also warned that the Israeli government should show restraint in order to minimize further civilian casualties.
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Human Rights Watch Concerned About Israel's Gaza Blockade
Palestinian children study to the light of a lantern in Gaza City on November 28, 2008. Gaza's sole power plant provides between 25 and 30 percent of the territory's electricity and repeated shutdowns have led to blackouts since Israel tightened its blockade of the territory after an eruption of violence on November 4.
Human Rights Watch group said that Israeli blockade moves in Gaza risk exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially since conditions in this region were already dire after 16 years of "crushing" restrictions.
The organization argued that Israeli officials who are occupying Gaza's power under international law are responsible for ensuring that the residents in the area receive basic needs, such as electricity, food, water, etc.
Human Rights Watch further stated that the decision of Israel to deprive the entire Gaza population is unreasonable since it is a form of collective punishment.
This means that the restriction not only affects the terrorists but also greatly impacts innocent civilians in Gaza.
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