Bernie Sanders accuses Israel of a ‘serious violation of international law’ and calls for ‘restraint from Israeli forces attacking Gaza’

Bernie Sanders accused Israel of “serious violation of international law” for cutting off electricity and food to Gaza.

In a statement following the horrific attack on Israel, which was launched from Gaza by the terrorist group Hamas, the democratic socialist senator said it had been turned into an ‘open air prison’.

His comments came amid a backlash against left-wing Democrats who have branded Israel an apartheid state and called for the US to end funding to its ally.

Sanders, said: ‘Targeting civilians is a war crime no matter who does it. Israel’s blanket denial of food, water and other necessities to Gaza is a serious violation of international law and will do nothing but harm innocent civilians.’

Bernie Sanders speaks on October 11, 2023

It came after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a ‘total siege’ on Gaza.

He said: ‘We are fighting against human animals, and we act accordingly. There will be no electricity, no food, no water. No fuel.”

Hamas launched a brutal assault on Saturday, killing hundreds of Israeli men, women and children and killing at least 27 Americans.

Sanders said the Hamas attack was ‘horrific’.

He added that it was a ‘huge setback for any hope and peace in the region – and justice for the Palestinian people.

The 82-year-old Democratic senator added: ‘It is no secret to many that Gaza has been an open-air prison, with millions of people struggling to secure basic necessities.

“Hamas’ terrorism will make it much more difficult to address that tragic reality and will embolden extremists on both sides and perpetuate the cycle of violence.”

Bernie Sanders speaks to students on October 11, 2023

He said the United States “rightly offered solidarity and support to Israel” but said “we must also insist on restraint from Israeli forces attacking Gaza and work to ensure UN humanitarian access.”

Sanders added: ‘Let’s not forget that half of the two million people in Gaza are children. Children and innocent people do not deserve to be punished for the actions of Hamas.’

It came after two members of the left-wing ‘Squad’ in Congress were heavily criticized by members of their own party over ‘sickening’ calls to cut US aid to Israel after the Hamas attack.

US Representative Rashida Tlaib (R-MI) walks out of the US capital on September 29, 2023.

Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat who is of Palestinian descent, said “dehumanizing conditions” in Gaza have led to “resistance.”

Cori Bush, congresswoman from Missouri, called for ‘the end of the US government’s support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid’.

Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, slammed Tlaib and Bush’s comments.

He said: ‘It sickens me that, while Israelis clean up the blood of their family members shot in their homes, they believe that Congress should strip US funding to our democratic ally and allow innocent civilians to suffer.’