Amnesty International USA welcomed the introduction of four Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Tlaib, Jayapal, Casar, Garcia (IL), Lee (PA), Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pocan, Pressley, Ramirez, Green (TX), Johnson (GA), and Coleman that would block the sale of more than $8 billion in weapon sales to the Israeli government.
“Amnesty International has continuously provided extensive evidence that Israeli forces have repeatedly used U.S.-origin weapons in violation of international law as well as U.S. law and policy. The U.S. risks complicity in genocide and other serious violations of international law by Israeli forces if it continues to provide weapons and other military support to Israel” said, Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA. “We urge all members of Congress to lean into their oversight role and support these Joint Resolutions of Disapproval.”
Amnesty International found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has been and continues to commit the crime of genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. In several cases, Amnesty identified the use of U.S. made weapons in deadly and unlawful attacks by Israeli forces on civilians and civilian objects throughout Gaza.
“President Trump has called Gaza a ‘demolition site,’ yet he has completely failed to acknowledge the U.S. government’s role in providing the government of Israel with the arms that have repeatedly been used to carry out deadly, unlawful attacks in Gaza,” said O’Brien. “In approving these latest weapons sales, President Trump has shown that he is unwilling to ensure that the U.S. meets its international legal obligations. Congress must step in to block the transfer of U.S.-origin weapons to Israel when there is a grave risk that these weapons will fuel further violations of international law, including the crime of genocide.”
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