United States: Nancy Pelosi and 40 House Democrats have called on US President Joe Biden to immediately halt US arms transfers to Israel. This comes after the killing of World Central Kitchen workers in a recent Israeli strike while they were delivering food to Gaza.
The Democrats wrote a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requesting the suspension of weapons transfers to Israel until a full investigation into the airstrike is conducted.
The letter, led by Representatives Mark Pocan, Jim McGovern, and Jan Schakowsky, was signed by 40 lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The Representatives are recommending a reconsideration of the recent decision to authorise a new arms package for Israel until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed.
They call for withholding transfers if Israel fails to protect innocent civilians in Gaza and hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid. The lawmakers stressed that, given the recent strike against aid workers and the worsening humanitarian crisis, it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers.
They once again urge withholding any offensive weapons transfers until the investigation into the airstrike is concluded. If it is found that the strike violated US or international law, those responsible should be held accountable.
The lawmakers suggested the government withhold offensive weapons transfers until the investigation into the airstrike is concluded. They also urged to ensure that any future military assistance to Israel is subject to compliance with US and international law.
The letter mentioned that reports indicate that 32,000 people killed in Gaza since October. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns of an imminent famine, expected to occur anytime within the next month if hostilities do not stop immediately.
Earlier this week, President Biden cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States’ policy towards Gaza would depend on Israel’s immediate actions. The US demanded Israel take practical steps to handle the humanitarian crisis in the area.
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