Recent reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 individuals in Gaza, including 399 aid workers, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

Historically, Congress has shown strong bipartisan support for Israel, making it unlikely that Sanders' resolutions will pass, but he hopes to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has announced plans to force votes next week on resolutions aimed at blocking $8.8 billion in military aid to Israel, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

This initiative comes in the wake of a complete blockade that has prevented humanitarian aid from entering Gaza for over three weeks, leaving the region without food, water, medicine, or fuel.

The UN Human Rights Chief has condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, describing them as an unprecedented disregard for human rights, while also acknowledging violations by Hamas.

Sanders has condemned the blockade of humanitarian aid as morally wrong and a violation of both the Geneva Convention and U.S. law.

He has also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of violating U.S. and international law, calling for an end to U.S. complicity in the ongoing conflict.

Sanders emphasized that the war in Gaza has been predominantly fought with American weaponry, funded by $18 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars.

The proposed arms sales include significant munitions, such as 35,000 2,000-pound bombs, intended to support Israel's military campaign.

U.S. law permits Congress to block major foreign arms sales through resolutions of disapproval, although no resolution has successfully passed Congress and survived a presidential veto.

The Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) process allows for a vote to be forced within five days, requiring only a simple majority for passage and preventing amendments or filibusters.

Former President Donald Trump, who began his second term in January 2025, has reversed Biden's efforts to limit arms sales to Israel, approving billions in military sales without congressional review.