Bernie Sanders Says Israel Is Violating International Law With Blockade on 'Open-Air Prison' in Gaza

Business Insider ^ | Oct 11, 2023 | Bryan Metzger

[nickcarraway]

In one of the most strident criticisms of Israel yet by a prominent American politician, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is accusing Israel of violating international law.

"For many, it is no secret that Gaza has been an open-air prison, with millions of people struggling to secure basic necessities," Sanders said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Following Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel over the weekend, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a "complete siege" of Gaza, the densely-populated territory where Gaza rules. Gallant said that would include "no electricity, no food, no fuel" for the territory's roughly 2 million residents.

"The targeting of civilians is a war crime, no matter who does it," said Sanders. "Israel's blanket denial of food, water, and other necessities to Gaza is a serious violation of international law and will do nothing but harm innocent civilians."

Targeting civilians, even during a time of war, violates Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Sanders also reiterated his prior condemnation of the Hamas attack, calling it a "major setback for any hope of peace and reconciliation in the region – and justice for the Palestinian people."

"The gunning down of young Israelis at a music festival is an image the world will not soon forget," said Sanders.

While President Joe Biden and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have pledged their unwavering support for Israel in the wake of the attack, Sanders argued that the US must also "insist on restraint from Israeli forces attacking Gaza."

Sanders is among the most prominent Jewish politicians in America, and during his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020, he was notably far more critical of Israel than most Democrats. He has also previously called for placing conditions upon American aid to Israel, an idea that's radioactive in Washington.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

This ‘open air prison’ must be a great place to live.

The earliest specific usage I can find of Gaza being described as an open-air prison is from British prime minister David Cameron in 2010, which is just three years after Israel instituted its permanent blockade after the Strip.

As for the population increase, I imagine it has to do with (based on what stats I could find) a fertility rate of 4+ children per woman (one of those paradoxical scenarios of a poor region having a very high birth rate). With over 2 million people in an area of under 370 square kilometers, I imagine it's not a great place at all. (And I think very few people across the political spectrum would describe it as such. Who they would blame for those conditions will naturally vary much more wildly.)

In addition, over 40% of the known population are under the age of 14; over 60% are under the age of 24.

So it's likely that the majority of Palestinians in Gaza have literally known nothing but life under blockade.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

*of the Strip,
not after the Strip

[lepton]

Still a useful reference.