U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont has accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza, becoming the first sitting member of the Senate to make such a statement.
In a statement published on his official website, Sanders pointed out that
"The independent expert committee appointed by the United Nations confirmed this conclusion, stating that there is a clear intent to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza through actions that meet the criteria outlined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide."
He added, "I agree with this assessment," according to the American news outlet Axios.
The senator clarified that "Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack" but emphasized that "over the past two years, Israel has waged an all-out war against the entire Palestinian people."
Previously, Navi Pillay, Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited genocide in Gaza.
Early Tuesday morning, Israel launched an intensive military operation in Gaza City, including a ground incursion and heavy bombardment, claiming the goal was to take control of Gaza and eliminate Hamas.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on the platform X that "Gaza is burning," adding that "the Israeli army is striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist, and its soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas. We will not relent or retreat until the mission is complete."
The Israeli offensive came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, where he reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel and warned Hamas that it had "only a few days" to agree to a ceasefire deal.
The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for Gaza City, while the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned that there is no safe haven for displaced residents of the city.