Overview

• Sen. Chris Van Hollen criticizes the Biden administration for sending additional military weapons to Israel, advocating instead for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Van Hollen accuses Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of ignoring President Biden's requests for humanitarian action, exacerbating the crisis in Gaza.
• The U.S. has reportedly authorized billions in military aid to Israel, including bombs and fighter jets, despite concerns over a potential Israeli ground invasion of Rafah.
• More than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with famine already present in some areas and expected to spread, according to the U.S. State Department and the U.N.
• Van Hollen calls for leveraging U.S. aid to ensure Israel allows humanitarian assistance into Gaza, emphasizing the need for a partnership rather than a 'one-way blank check'.