Campaign launched to endorse US congressional bill holding ‘Israel’ accountable for obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (YPA) – Several human rights organizations and activists launched a campaign on Friday targeting American voters in key states, calling on US senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties to adopt legislation holding Israel accountable for obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The legislation, introduced last Wednesday by Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, is titled the Accountability for Withholding Aid and Relief Essentials (AWARE) Act, and aims to impose tangible consequences on Israeli officials who deny civilians access to basic needs.
Wyden introduced the Accountability for Withholding Aid and Relief Essentials (AWARE) Act two days ago, to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government – and any other government around the world – accountable for any actions that block humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and others in need.
The law seeks to hold the Israeli government formally responsible for blocking aid and would open the door to financial penalties and the suspension of visas for any foreign officials, their representatives, or anyone proven to be involved in restricting, undermining, or obstructing the delivery and distribution of adequate humanitarian assistance.
The law would also require the US administration to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the officials who violated the policy against obstructing aid and to justify any decision not to impose sanctions in cases of violations.
Campaign activist Sinan Shqadeh said the legislation comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s policy in Gaza.
He added that the campaign has urged citizens to contact their members of Congress to remind them of “the United States’ historical and moral responsibility to end the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and to hold accountable all parties obstructing the delivery of food and medicine to besieged civilians.”
@E.Y.M