Sanders Boycotts Netanyahu's Congressional Address, Cites Gaza Children's Starvation

In a powerful speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced that he will not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address to a joint session of Congress. Sanders lambasted the Israeli leader's policies toward Gaza, accusing Netanyahu's government of committing war crimes and creating a humanitarian catastrophe.

"No, Mr. President, I will not be in attendance for that speech," Sanders declared after detailing the devastating toll of Israel's military campaign on the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.

The Democratic presidential candidate's remarks came in response to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-TX), who had accused Sanders of "parroting the talking points of Hamas" during a Fox News interview on Sunday. Sanders vehemently denied the allegation, reaffirming his condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organization while directing blistering criticism at Netanyahu.

"Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of October 7th. But it did not, and it does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people," Sanders said.

The senator proceeded to list a litany of striking statistics outlining the immense scale of death, displacement, and destruction wrought by Israel's offensive in Gaza over the past eight months. He cited figures from the United Nations and humanitarian groups indicating that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, 82,000 wounded, and 1.7 million displaced from their homes – 75% of Gaza's population.

Sanders was especially impassioned when addressing the emerging crisis of malnutrition and starvation among Gaza's children, caused by Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid. "At least 30 children have starved to death," he stated, displaying haunting photographs of emaciated youths. "Blocking humanitarian aid and creating the conditions for famine is not only an act of extreme cruelty...but it is a violation of both American and international law. It is a war crime."

The Vermont senator excoriated Netanyahu and his "extremist government," accusing them of waging an indiscriminate war that has crippled Gaza's civilian infrastructure, medical system, and educational institutions. "Every single one of these 12 universities has been bombed, as have 56 schools," he said. "Today, 625,000 children in Gaza have no access to education."

Sanders' speech represents a significant rebuke of the Israeli prime minister just days before Netanyahu's controversial address to Congress. The speech comes amid heightened tensions between the White House and Israel over Netanyahu's campaign rhetoric and the stalled peace process.

While Sanders is expected to be joined by some congressional colleagues in boycotting the speech, Republican leaders and many Democrats have defended Netanyahu's right to speak before Congress. However, the Vermont senator's forceful denunciation of the Gaza crisis ensures the address will be overshadowed by scrutiny of Israel's conduct during and after the recent conflict.

Key Takeaways

• Senator Bernie Sanders boycotts Israeli PM Netanyahu's address to Congress over Gaza humanitarian crisis.
• Netanyahu's government responsible for 36,000 Palestinian deaths, 82,000 wounded, and 1.7 million displaced.
• Sanders calls Netanyahu a "war criminal" and criticizes US leaders for inviting him to speak.
• Gaza crisis: children starving to death due to blocked humanitarian aid, catastrophic consequences warned.
• Sanders' boycott highlights need for Gaza crisis resolution and accountability for humanitarian violations.

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