On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders issued a powerful statement calling for the United States to halt its military support for the Israeli government, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of perpetrating widespread atrocities against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. The statement coincided with the second anniversary of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which began in response to actions by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Sanders’ remarks underscore a growing critique of Israel’s conduct in the conflict and highlight the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.
In his statement, Sanders acknowledged Israel’s "absolute right" to defend itself and pursue Hamas, the militant group responsible for attacks against Israeli territory. However, he sharply criticized the Netanyahu government for escalating the conflict beyond a targeted response against Hamas into what he described as an “all-out war against the entire Palestinian people.” Sanders argued that the Israeli government’s actions, driven by what he called an extremist administration, have led to catastrophic consequences for civilians in Gaza, with devastating loss of life, widespread injury, and a humanitarian disaster exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of the region.
According to Sanders, the scale of the devastation in Gaza is staggering. In a population of approximately 2.2 million people, he cited figures indicating that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 have been injured as a result of Israel’s military operations. These numbers reflect the immense toll of the conflict on civilians, many of whom have no connection to Hamas or its activities. Sanders emphasized that the horrors of the war “cannot be overstated,” pointing to the indiscriminate impact of the violence on men, women, and children across the Gaza Strip.
A significant portion of Sanders’ critique focused on Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which he argued has precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe. The blockade, which restricts the flow of essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel, has led to widespread starvation and suffering among Gaza’s residents. Sanders described the blockade as a deliberate act that has compounded the misery of an already beleaguered population, leaving millions without access to basic necessities. The senator’s remarks align with reports from international humanitarian organizations, which have warned of famine-like conditions and a collapse of healthcare and infrastructure in Gaza.
In addition to condemning the humanitarian toll, Sanders expressed strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent actions against Israeli leaders. The ICC has issued indictments targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials, accusing them of war crimes related to the conduct of the war in Gaza. Sanders endorsed the ICC’s efforts, arguing that accountability is essential to addressing the alleged violations of international law. His backing of the ICC indictments marks a significant departure from the U.S. government’s traditional stance, which has often shielded Israel from international criticism.
Sanders’ call to end U.S. military support for Israel represents a bold stance that challenges decades of bipartisan policy in Washington. The United States has long been Israel’s primary military and economic ally, providing billions of dollars in aid annually, including advanced weaponry and defense systems. Sanders argued that continued U.S. support makes the country complicit in the “horrific tragedy” unfolding in Gaza. He urged the U.S. government to reconsider its role in enabling Israel’s military actions and instead prioritize diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
Central to Sanders’ proposal is the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. He called for an agreement that would halt the violence, secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, and facilitate a massive influx of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Sanders stressed that any ceasefire must be comprehensive, addressing not only the immediate cessation of hostilities but also the long-term needs of the Palestinian population. He advocated for a pathway toward Palestinian statehood, arguing that a political resolution is essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
The senator’s emphasis on Palestinian statehood reflects his broader critique of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories. Sanders has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, arguing that the Israeli government’s policies, including the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. In his statement, he reiterated that Palestinians deserve a state of their own, with the same rights to self-determination and security as their Israeli counterparts.
Sanders’ remarks come at a time of heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The war, now in its second year, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, world leaders, and grassroots movements. Images of destruction, displacement, and suffering in Gaza have fueled global protests and calls for accountability. The conflict has also strained diplomatic relations between Israel and several countries, with some nations imposing sanctions or suspending arms sales in response to the humanitarian crisis.
In the United States, Sanders’ position reflects a growing divide within the Democratic Party over U.S.-Israel policy. While some Democrats continue to advocate unwavering support for Israel, others, particularly younger and more progressive members, have called for a reassessment of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Sanders’ statement aligns with this progressive wing, which has increasingly criticized Israel’s actions and pushed for policies that prioritize human rights and international law.
The senator’s call to end military support also raises questions about the feasibility of such a policy shift. Israel remains a key strategic ally for the United States in the Middle East, and any move to curtail military aid would likely face significant opposition in Congress. The pro-Israel lobby, including organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), wields considerable influence in Washington and has historically worked to maintain robust U.S. support for Israel. Sanders’ proposal would likely encounter resistance from both Republicans and centrist Democrats who view the U.S.-Israel alliance as a cornerstone of American foreign policy.
Beyond the political challenges, Sanders’ statement highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of the conflict. By framing U.S. military support as complicity in a “horrific tragedy,” Sanders is urging the American public and policymakers to grapple with the consequences of their government’s actions. He argues that the United States has a responsibility to act as a force for peace and justice, rather than enabling further violence and suffering.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no immediate end to the conflict in sight. The combination of ongoing military operations, the blockade, and the lack of a political resolution has left millions of Palestinians in a state of perpetual crisis. Humanitarian organizations continue to report alarming levels of food insecurity, inadequate medical care, and widespread displacement. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for urgent action to address the crisis, but progress has been slow.
Sanders’ statement also underscores the broader implications of the Gaza conflict for global geopolitics. The war has fueled tensions in the Middle East, with ripple effects felt in neighboring countries like Lebanon, where Israeli military actions have escalated in recent months. The conflict has also strained relations between the United States and some of its allies, particularly in the Global South, where there is growing frustration with Washington’s perceived double standards on human rights.
As the second anniversary of the war in Gaza passes, Sanders’ call for a policy shift represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. His advocacy for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and Palestinian statehood reflects a broader vision for a more just and equitable resolution to the conflict. However, the path to achieving these goals remains fraught with challenges, both domestically and internationally.
In conclusion, Senator Bernie Sanders’ statement marks a bold and principled stand against the status quo of U.S.-Israel relations. By calling for an end to military support for Israel and highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Sanders is challenging the United States to take a more active role in promoting peace and accountability. His remarks underscore the urgency of addressing the crisis in Gaza and the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. As the conflict continues to exact a devastating toll, Sanders’ voice adds to the growing chorus demanding change in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
