Senate Rejects Sanders' $8.8B Arms Sale Block Amid Gaza Crisis

The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly rejected two resolutions from Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking nearly $9 billion in arms sales to Israel, voting 82-15 and 83-15 against them. Sanders criticized the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli military actions, emphasizing the moral implications of U.S. support for such operations. Despite receiving support from only 15 Democratic senators, Sanders argued that the U.S. must reconsider its military aid, particularly in light of civilian casualties and the blockade of humanitarian assistance. Senate Republicans defended the arms sales, stating that abandoning Israel during a critical time would compromise global security. While the resolutions were anticipated to fail given the historical bipartisan support for Israel, proponents hope their efforts will raise awareness about the humanitarian toll and push for more civilian-focused policies. The debate continues amidst escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.