"US Senator and Israeli Authorities Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, Call for Consequences"

Democratic US Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that Israel should face consequences for civilian deaths in Gaza and its obstruction of humanitarian aid. He criticized the Israeli government for imposing unnecessary obstacles for aid to enter Gaza and emphasized the urgent need for cooperation to reduce civilian casualties and provide humanitarian assistance. Van Hollen's remarks come amid a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with UN reports of overcrowding, disease outbreaks, and healthcare shortages. The Biden administration has sought to balance support for Israel's military campaign with pressure to allow more aid into Gaza, while some progressive lawmakers have called for a ceasefire.