Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland expressed his support for President Biden’s decision to withhold specific kinds of munitions from Israel, citing concerns about civilian casualties in Rafah. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for disregarding warnings from the U.S. and ignoring efforts to reduce civilian harm and provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Van Hollen emphasized the importance of taking action to address these issues and supported the administration’s policy adjustments.
Van Hollen raised concerns about the handling of a national security memorandum related to the conflict, accusing the administration of prioritizing political considerations over objective analysis. He argued that independent groups had concluded violations of international humanitarian law had occurred and criticized the administration for not making specific determinations. Van Hollen suggested that the report may have inadvertently provided political cover to Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue his actions in Gaza.
The Senator expressed worries about the low bar set by the administration in its response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically highlighting restrictions on humanitarian assistance that have led to starvation and deaths. He cautioned against accepting these actions as acceptable and warned that failing to address these issues could have lasting consequences. Van Hollen emphasized the need for a clear and honest assessment of the situation in Gaza to prevent further harm to civilians.
In response to remarks by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley comparing U.S. actions in conflicts with those of Israel, Van Hollen acknowledged past mistakes but noted efforts to improve civilian protections since World War Two. He highlighted the importance of international conventions like the Geneva Conventions in safeguarding civilians during times of war, emphasizing the need to learn from history to prevent future atrocities.
Reflecting on comments made by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about student protesters’ knowledge of history and the Middle East, Van Hollen defended the concerns expressed by young voters about the situation in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of peaceful protest, safety on college campuses, and combating antisemitism and hate. Van Hollen expressed confidence that the majority of students protesting were well-informed about the civilian casualties in Gaza and understood the gravity of the situation.
In conclusion, Senator Van Hollen reiterated his support for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, holding all parties accountable for their actions, and promoting peace and security in the region. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes, maintaining a commitment to upholding international law and humanitarian principles, and engaging in constructive dialogue to resolve conflicts. Van Hollen’s comments underscored the complexities of the situation in the Middle East and the need for thoughtful and principled leadership to guide policy decisions moving forward.
