TL/DR –
Israeli airstrikes that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers have increased pressure from Democrats in Congress on President Joe Biden to impose conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel. There is growing concern over the tactics used by Israel’s government in the Gaza Strip and the ensuing humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians. This has led to calls for a cease-fire and warnings against entering Rafah without a plan to protect civilian lives, with Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware even suggesting conditions on U.S. arms shipments to Israel if civilians are not safeguarded.
Democrats Push Biden to Impose Conditions on U.S. Aid to Israel Following Airstrikes
Recent Israeli airstrikes, leading to the tragic deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, have prompted a surge in demands by Congress Democrats for President Joe Biden to impose conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel.
Frustration has been building among Democrats over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinian civilians. The lethal strikes on the World Central Kitchen team have particularly shocked many lawmakers, shaping the U.S. approach to the Gaza situation and its relations with Israel.
“This week could be a turning point,” one congressional official suggested.
Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont expressed that the attack on the aid convoy signifies a lack of change in Netanyahu’s war plan and is increasingly concerning his colleagues.
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally, supported for the first time, placing conditions on U.S. arms shipments to Israel if civilians are not protected.
On Friday, over three dozen members of Congress signed a letter urging Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reconsider a decision to authorize an arms package transfer to Israel. Pelosi, D-Calif., signed the letter, which also urges withholding future arms transfers pending an investigation into the airstrike on the World Central Kitchen aid workers.
Jeremy Ben-Ami of J Street, a liberal lobbying group, indicated that more Democrats are urging Biden’s administration to take tangible actions.
After Biden’s warning, Israel announced more aid routes to increase assistance to Gaza, including the Ashdod port and the Erez crossing on Israel’s border with Gaza.
Democrats in Congress are now focusing on the May 8 deadline, when the administration will have to declare whether Israel is abiding by international humanitarian law and U.S. human rights laws. This could result in suspending additional U.S. arms transfers.
A shift in attitudes among Democratic voters, particularly American Muslims and younger progressives, who are dismayed at the plight of Palestinian civilians, is driving these changes. Some Democrats worry the issue could damage Biden’s re-election prospects.
“They’re now not so far out from the convention. What do you want to have the streets of Chicago look like in four months?” Ben-Ami pondered, hinting at the potential political repercussions.
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