”The intention is clear. The conclusion is inevitable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza", writes Sanders on his website.
In the statement, he refers to the UN and international human rights organizations that believe Israel's actions meet the criteria of the genocide convention. He calls Benjamin Netanyahu's government "extremist" and Trump's vision for the area a "distorted view".
The statement comes the day after a UN commission found that Israel is committing genocide in the area. Sanders also refers to statements by Israeli leaders about erasing Gaza, as well as to the rapidly rising number of dead and the acute famine.
Sanders has previously avoided the term "genocide". He has, however, worked to stop the US from exporting weapons to Israel and supporting the country militarily.
He wants the US to use its diplomatic and economic influence to demand an immediate ceasefire and also wants to see significantly increased humanitarian aid under UN leadership, as well as taking the first steps towards making Palestine an independent state.
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