As casualties rise in Gaza, US lawmakers accuse Israel of strategic and moral errors while calling for a reassessment of military support.

US politicians have ramped up their criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with some prominent figures accusing the nation of making both strategic and moral missteps. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated that Israel’s potential all-out assault on Rafah could unintentionally strengthen Hamas by fueling further civilian casualties, which would provide recruitment material for the group for years to come.

Murphy emphasized the need for caution, warning that mass civilian deaths in Rafah could be disastrous for Israel’s strategic and moral standing. He also called for a more balanced approach, acknowledging Hamas’ role in instigating the conflict while asserting that a swift end to the war hinges on the group’s surrender.

Meanwhile, independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont was more outspoken, accusing Israel of violating international law and American principles. He called for a halt to US military aid to Israel, despite condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization responsible for the October 7th attacks.

In contrast, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered a more measured response. In an interview with CBS, Blinken stated that while there were instances where Israel’s actions may not align with international humanitarian law, the US should not rush to judgment, citing Israel’s internal accountability mechanisms and ongoing investigations. Blinken also pointed out the complexities of determining responsibility amid a conflict where Hamas is known to operate from civilian areas, complicating the assessment of Israel’s conduct.

The increased US political pressure comes amid reports of mounting casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 35,000 deaths as of Sunday. Additionally, President Biden’s administration expressed concerns over Israel’s actions in Rafah, with a halt on the transfer of certain military equipment to Israel, including 3,500 “dumb” bombs.

On the Republican side, Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas dismissed Blinken’s cautious stance as politically motivated, criticizing the Biden administration for what he termed a “de facto arms embargo” on Israel. Cotton described the policy as weak and ineffective in supporting a key US ally.