Senators Van Hollen, Merkley Condemn Israel Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley have condemned Israel's actions in Gaza as an attempt at ethnic cleansing, based on their recent visit to the region and a detailed report they released. They accuse the Netanyahu government of using food as a weapon to control the Palestinian population, severely restricting humanitarian aid and replacing the UN food distribution network with limited sites that contribute to displacement and civilian deaths. The senators highlighted the destruction of civilian infrastructure and warned that Israel's response to Hamas' October 7, 2023 terror attacks has gone beyond legitimate defense, amounting to collective punishment. Their findings align with reports from human rights organizations and Doctors Without Borders, citing mass starvation and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The senators also noted increasing Israeli settler activity in the West Bank as part of a slow-motion ethnic cleansing process. These allegations come amid ongoing conflict and international concern about the deteriorating situation for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.