Sanders: Bombing of Palestinian hospital an ‘unspeakable crime’

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spoke out Tuesday evening against the escalating violence in Gaza, calling the bombing of a hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians an “unspeakable crime.” 

He also said the murder of hundreds of Israeli civilians outside of Gaza by Hamas militants was also an unspeakable crime. 

“These unspeakable crimes must stop now. The bombs and missiles from both sides must end, massive humanitarian aid must be rushed to Gaza, and the hostages must be returned to their families,” Sanders said in a statement.  

Palestinian health authorities in Gaza said the hospital was hit by an Israeli airstrike, while the Israel Defense Forces said it was hit by an off-target rocket filed by Palestinian militants.  

Sanders last week criticized the Israeli siege of Gaza as a serious violation of international law. 

“The targeting of civilians is a war crime, no matter who does it. 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 said in a statement.

Sanders is one of a growing number of progressive Democrats voicing concerns about the loss of civilian life in Gaza as a result of Israeli airstrikes.  

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) earlier on Tuesday defended Israel’s right to defend itself after the surprise attack on more than 20 Israeli settlements that left some 1,400 people dead.

“Israel has an obligation to minimize the loss of innocent civilian life and get them the materials they need, humanitarian materials,” he said. “Of course, we got to make sure Hamas doesn’t get hold of that.” 

Asked about a proposed ceasefire being pushed by House Democrats, Schumer warned: “If you allow Hamas to continue to exist as is, the same thing will happen again and we have to do everything to prevent that from happening.”