Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), joined by other Democratic senators, sent a letter to President Biden on Tuesday with a “serious concern” about Israel’s invasion and potential occupation of Gaza amidst the country’s war with the militant group Hamas.
While reiterating support of Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s bloody assault on Oct. 7 that killed over 1,400 people in Israel, the senators expressed concerns over the “likely humanitarian toll,” and the “political reality” that could be left in the wake of a large-scale ground invasion by Israeli forces.
The letter, penned by Sanders, Warren and Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), included several questions regarding the U.S. government’s stance on the human toll of an invasion and occupation of Gaza along with what humanitarian aid would look like for civilians in the besieged territory.
Israel has since responded to Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre with a bombardment of Hamas-ruled Gaza, including hundreds of airstrikes, bombings and most recently an uptick in attacks against Hamas militants and infrastructure north of Gaza City. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and several other countries.
At least 8,525 Palestinians have died in the violence in Gaza, with over 21,500 civilians wounded, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Sanders has led efforts in the Senate for Israel to minimize and reduce civilian casualties in Gaza. Last week, he warned on the floor that “revenge… is not a useful policy.”
Israel warned more than 1 million Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza to move south in recent weeks, ahead of a wider ground incursion into the territory. While some have fled, several hundred thousand Palestinians remain in northern Gaza.
“Israel’s proposed invasion will likely bring difficult, street-by-street fighting against entrenched Hamas fighters in a dense urban environment still populated by many civilians,” the letter wrote. “Hamas will continue to use human shields and its extensive tunnel network, and will likely resort to insurgent tactics.”
The senators pointed to a piece from two academics who argued Israel’s reoccupation of Gaza will not end the conflict but rather risk a guerrilla war with civilians who see Israeli leaders as their enemy.
The senators pressed the Biden administration over how long it could take to establish military control of Gaza, how much “insurgent activity” it expects after that point and how the operation’s success will be measured.
The senators also expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been further driven by Israel’s siege on food, water, medicine and fuel. While some aid has been allowed to pass into the territory, humanitarian leaders have warned it’s not nearly enough to assist the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians and hospitals on the brink of collapse.
The letter asked how many civilians will receive humanitarian aid and how the U.S.’s funding will help mitigate the crisis, along with how the administration expects the international community to address the human needs in Gaza and the rest of Palestine once the violence stops.
“Just a few months ago, thousands of people defied Hamas’ authoritarian rule to protest on the streets of Gaza,” the letter wrote. “Their voices are silenced now, but there can be no long-term solution to this ongoing crisis without a serious effort to address Palestinian demands for peace, legitimate political representation, and a vibrant economy. The United States must take a leading role in charting out a future that respects the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
The senators’ letter comes amid the ongoing debate over the Biden administration’s $105 billion emergency funding request to Congress that allocated aid for Israel, Ukraine, security operations at the U.S.-Mexico border and allies in the Indo-Pacific.
Newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Republicans unveiled a $14.3 billion aid package earlier this week that covers just Israel aid while cutting the same amount from IRS funding.
The Senate GOP is divided on the House GOP’s Israel-only proposal as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and his allies push for both Israel and Ukraine funding together and others remain opposed to further Ukraine aid.
The White House said Tuesday Biden would veto the House GOP’s proposal in its current form.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.