Bernie Sanders on Gaza Conflict
Senator Bernie Sanders has taken a strong, evolving stance on the Gaza conflict, consistently using his platform to advocate for humanitarian relief and a shift in U.S. policy toward Israel.
Initially calling for only a pause in fighting following the October 7 attacks, Sanders stated he did not know if a ceasefire was possible with Hamas. His position has since hardened to call for a humanitarian ceasefire and urge President Biden to withhold military aid to Israel.
His later statements have escalated to accusing Israel of mass starvation, ethnic cleansing, and extermination. In September 2025, Sanders stated explicitly: "The intent is clear. The conclusion is inescapable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza."
Context
As a long-serving independent Senator who generally caucuses with Democrats, Bernie Sanders holds significant influence on the progressive wing of the Democratic party and can apply pressure on the Biden administration's foreign policy.
His past foreign policy critiques, such as opposition to the US involvement in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, provide a record of challenging US support for military action in the Middle East. His consistent advocacy for Palestinian rights informs his current strong stance regarding the Gaza conflict.
Timeline
- Senator Sanders initially called for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas.
- He began introducing Joint Resolutions of Disapproval in the Senate to block arms transfers to Israel.
- Sanders urged President Biden to halt military aid to Israel and called for a humanitarian ceasefire.
- Sanders escalated his rhetoric to assert that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Actions Taken
- LegislationIntroduced several Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block arms sales to Israel during the Gaza war.
- Policy AdvocacyUrged President Biden to withhold military aid to Israel.
- Official StatementStated Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, becoming the first US senator to make this declaration.
Key Quotes
I first called for a pause in the fighting, because I don't know if a ceasefire is possible with an organization like Hamas.
The intent is clear. The conclusion is inescapable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Sources4
- During the Gaza war, Sanders introduced several Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block arms to Israel.
- Sanders accused Israel of mass starvation, ethnic cleansing, and extermination. Sanders initially said that allegations of genocide had to be adjudicated by the International Court of Justice, but in September 2025 he said: "The intent is clear. The conclusion is inescapable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza."
- He first called for only a pause in fighting, saying that he 'doesn't know if a ceasefire is possible with an organization like Hamas,' but later called for a humanitarian ceasefire and urged Biden to withhold military aid to Israel.
- Sanders gave an interview to Mamdani in which they discussed Sanders's political beginnings and his achievements as a mayor and senator. On September 15, 2025, Sanders said that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, becoming the first US senator to make such comment.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.