Thursday, September 18, 2025 -Senator Bernie Sanders has become the first U.S. senator to state that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
In a forceful op-ed, he pointed to the scale of civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and rhetoric from Israeli officials as evidence that the campaign meets the definition under international law. His remarks align with findings from a recent UN inquiry that raised similar concerns.
Sanders argued that the United States bears responsibility for enabling the war by providing unconditional aid and diplomatic cover. He called for an immediate ceasefire, a halt to U.S. military assistance, and expanded humanitarian relief for Palestinians.
He also urged renewed efforts toward a two-state solution, warning that continued support of Israel’s current strategy would erode America’s global standing.
The statement represents a rare break in the Senate, where criticism of Israel has often been more muted than in the House. By invoking the term “genocide,” Sanders has escalated the debate in Washington and placed new pressure on colleagues, the White House, and international partners to reconsider their positions on the conflict.
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