U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, has joined the growing chorus of Democratic voices criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Warren denounced the administration’s failure to penalize Israel for the dire situation in Gaza and endorsed a joint resolution of disapproval in Congress.

White House Ultimatum and State Department Decision

The White House had given Israel a 30-day ultimatum to improve conditions in Gaza or risk losing military support. As the deadline passed, international aid groups reported that Israel had fallen short of expectations. However, the U.S. State Department announced it would not take punitive action, claiming Israel was making limited progress.

Warren condemned this decision, stating, “The failure by the Biden administration to follow US law and to suspend arms shipments is a grave mistake that undermines American credibility worldwide.” She urged Congress to step in if the administration wouldn’t act.

Eight international aid groups have reported that Israel failed to meet U.S. demands to improve aid access. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged some progress but called for more sustained efforts.

President Biden, facing growing dissent from Democrats, has supported Israel since the Hamas attack in October 2023. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, announced plans to bring joint resolutions of disapproval to block certain weapons sales to Israel.

Related Story: Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Gaza Strip

Pressure Mounts on Biden Administration

Additionally, 15 Senators and 69 House members are pressing the Biden administration to hold members of Netanyahu’s government accountable for increased settler violence and destabilizing activity in the West Bank.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with over 43,500 Palestinians killed and 2 million displaced since the conflict began.

Read more at The Guardian