“The truth is that from a legal perspective, these resolutions are not complicated,” Sanders said during a press conference Tuesday, alongside Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. “They are cut and dry. The United States government is currently in violation of the law, and every member of the Senate who believes in the rule of law should vote for these resolutions.”

Despite aid groups reporting that Israel has continued to block humanitarian aid into Gaza, the White House overlooked the blown deadline last week, saying that it will continue to provide weapons to Israel. The decision stands in direct violation of existing U.S. law preventing the government from sending weapons to countries that block U.S.-backed humanitarian assistance.

With the Biden administration unwilling to act and legislation targeting pro-Palestinian nonprofits still advancing, pro-Palestinian advocates and their allies in Congress argue that passing the joint resolutions is likely the last real opportunity for Democrats to address the crisis in Gaza before Republicans take control in January.

Despite Democrats’ unwillingness to vote for conditioning military aid to Israel in the past, Araabi hopes that at least some of the lame-duck senators who won’t be returning in January will take this opportunity to cement an anti-genocide record.

  • @Rapidcreek
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    -11 month ago

    The reason white phosphorus was used in Fallujah. If you’ve ever been to an Arab city, you’ll note that sometimes in markets, cloth is hung over the streets. This cloth provides shade to shoppers. Fallujah had more of that than usual, it masked movement from sight overhead. So, to get rid of it, they dropped white phosphorus to burn it away.

    • @Carmakazi
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      61 month ago

      A logical and strategic justification. Still a literal warcrime.

        • @Carmakazi
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          21 month ago

          Protocol on incendiary weapons states that using them in civilian area, such as in a marketplace in an urban area that was not properly evacuated, is prohibited.

          And we actually signed that one, which is surprising considering how many protocols and treaties we are not party to.

      • @Rapidcreek
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        -41 month ago

        Not really. White phosphorus is used for many things, mostly making smoke. It only becomes a crime when you use it against people.

        • @kreskin
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          61 month ago

          And, blocked user. You have yourself a nice day now “rapidcreek”

          • @Rapidcreek
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            -31 month ago

            Sorry if the truth offends you.

    • @kreskin
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      41 month ago

      right, also known as a war crime.

        • @kreskin
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          21 month ago

          Did you ready the Leahy law? I did.
          Also the UN and ICC ruled on it. I imagine during their ruling on that they “read the law” and that you have no idea what you are talking about.