Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Jeff Merkley of Oregon condemned the role of the United States in the "ethnic cleansing strategy in Gaza" on Thursday.
The senators had recently returned from a visit to the Middle East, which included Gaza, ravaged by Israeli genocide for nearly two years. In a joint press conference, they issued a report on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and what they described as the "systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure" by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Van Hollen stated, "We (Americans) have given Netanyahu's government a blank check."
He accused the Israeli Prime Minister of using "food as a means of controlling the population" against civilians in Gaza. He emphasized that Netanyahu's actions amount to "collective punishment" for the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Van Hollen said, "Israel has the right and duty to defend its people after the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in October. But... it is clear that Netanyahu's government has far exceeded targeting Hamas."
The 21-page report from the senators details their findings after a trip to the Middle East from August 24 to September 1, highlighting specifically issues of food and humanitarian aid.
Merkley stated, "Netanyahu's government is deliberately restricting access to food."
The Oregon senator criticized Israel's strategy of replacing the United Nations food distribution network in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHD), an NGO supported by Israel and the United States, replaced hundreds of UN distribution sites with only four centers, which have turned into death traps for Palestinians seeking food.
Three of the distribution sites are located in southern Gaza, with none in the north. Merkley accused this measure of being a deliberate tactic to displace Gaza's population. According to Merkley, 1,373 people were killed following the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid, with most deaths occurring around the four food distribution sites.
The report reiterates the findings of Doctors Without Borders, indicating that Israel's humanitarian strategy represents "premeditated killing" of Palestinian civilians.
The senators' report details the Israeli government's efforts to deliberately delay and restrict the entry of aid into Gaza, including imposing new restrictions that create a chokehold at the Ashdod port. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) had to change its inspection practices: the agency was previously able to inspect hundreds of containers daily, but now can only inspect 20 to 30 containers per day.
The senators called on the Biden administration to "immediately end" support for Israel's actions and to use American influence "to achieve a permanent ceasefire now."
Trump said last Sunday, "We are working on a solution that could be very good."
However, Israel launched a surprise attack on a Hamas meeting on Tuesday while they were seeking a proposal from the U.S. president in Doha, Qatar. Qatar has been described by the U.S. as a neutral negotiating ground for Hamas, the United States, and Israel. The Israeli raid, which resulted in the deaths of six people, jeopardized the prospects for future talks.
While Israel informed the U.S. about the attack, Trump later said he was "very upset" by the Israeli action.
Van Hollen stated, "Netanyahu has expertly exploited Donald Trump throughout all these events."
He added that Netanyahu is not interested in peaceful negotiations, describing him as a "servant" of right-wing extremism.
He added, "We will look into opportunities to hold Netanyahu's government accountable."
It is noted that last May, Merkley and Van Hollen joined 43 other senators in sponsoring a resolution calling for "the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza."
Van Hollen said, "The United States must play its leadership role in the world. This is the time to use that influence to end the war and bring the hostages home."
Summary of the report:
Netanyahu's government is implementing a plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians.
Below is a summary of the Van Hollen/Merkley report ("Netanyahu's government is implementing a plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians. America is complicit. The world must stop it," September 11, 2025), along with some key excerpts. I can provide more details (locations, the full set of findings) or compare reactions/criticisms if you wish. Summary
Purpose and methodology:
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (Maryland) and Jeff Merkley (Oregon) conducted a fact-finding delegation (CODEL) from August 24 to September 1, 2025,
شارك برأيك
Van Hoolen and Merkley condemn "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza and call for an end to the genocide.