US Democrats pressure Biden administration over civilian situation in Gaza

(Patria) - Dozens of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats have signed a letter calling on his administration to confirm that the United States strongly opposes the "forced and permanent displacement" of Palestinians from Gaza, Reuters reported.

The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, led by U.S. Representatives
Ayanna Pressley and Jamie Raskin, was signed by 60 Democratic members of the House of Representatives, reflecting concern, particularly on the left, over the number of Palestinian civilian casualties in Israel's campaign against Hamas.

"We urge you to continue reiterating the United States' firm commitment to this position and ask that you provide clarification regarding certain provisions of the administration's additional request for humanitarian and security funding," the letter states.

A State Department spokesperson said the department does not typically comment on congressional correspondence, but regarding the issue of displacement, the spokesperson said in an email:

"We have been clear. There must be no permanent forced displacement of Palestinians, either within Gaza or outside of it."

The U.S. provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid. Biden has asked Congress to approve an additional $14 billion, part of a supplemental funding request that has stalled in Congress as Republicans and Democrats negotiate changes to immigration policy.

Separately, a group of Democratic senators stated on Friday that 18 Democrats in that chamber support an amendment that would require any country receiving funds to use them in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict.

This week, Bernie Sanders, an independent senator close to Democrats, forced a vote on a resolution that would freeze security assistance to Israel unless the State Department produces a report within 30 days examining whether Israel has committed human rights violations in its campaign against Hamas. Seventy-two senators voted to table the resolution, versus 11 who supported it in the 100-member chamber.

Gaza health authorities said more than 24,760 people have been killed in the enclave since October 7.