U.S. Senate Blocks Bill to Halt Weapons Supply to Israeli Military

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected two proposals introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, aimed at halting two arms sales worth $8.8 billion to the Israeli military. The proposals were based on concerns over human rights violations against Palestinians and the prevention of humanitarian aid from reaching them.

A majority of senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties voted against the measure to block arms supplies to the Israeli government, with approximately 83 votes against and 15 in favor. In his speech, Senator Sanders urged the Senate to take action against Israel’s blockade of food, water, medicine, and fuel for over a month, which has led to malnutrition and famine affecting thousands of children.