Full Breakdown
US Senators Accuse Israel of Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza and Call for Action
9/14/2025, 9:26:42 PM
Overview of the Report
Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Jeff Merkley of Oregon have released a report accusing the Israeli government of conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, asserting that the United States is complicit in these actions. The report follows their week-long visit to Israel, the occupied West Bank, and neighboring countries, where they observed the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israeli policies.
Key Findings from the Senators' Visit
The senators' report highlights the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, documenting that 92% of housing units, 94% of hospitals, and 92% of schools have been destroyed or severely damaged. They noted that the Israeli government's actions go beyond targeting Hamas, constituting collective punishment of the entire population of Gaza. The report states, “Departure is not ‘voluntary’ when the conditions needed to support life are extinguished,” emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation.
During their visit, Van Hollen and Merkley were unable to enter Gaza but were shown the devastation from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border. They reported that humanitarian aid is being deliberately obstructed, with new screening procedures at the Port of Ashdod significantly slowing the delivery of food and medical supplies. The World Food Programme indicated that while it has enough food to feed the population for three weeks, only a fraction is making it through due to these restrictions.
Criticism of US Policy
The senators criticized the US government for enabling Israel's actions through continued military support, stating, “We, the United States, are complicit in all of this.” They called for an end to military aid to Israel and urged Congress to enforce existing human rights laws. The report also noted that Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have made statements indicating a clear intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press conference, Van Hollen expressed hope that their findings would draw greater attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “The world has a moral and legal obligation to stop the ongoing ethnic cleansing.” Merkley added that strong words alone are insufficient and called for the imposition of penalties on those executing these plans.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations commended the senators for their commitment to truth and accountability, urging Congress to act on their findings. The Gaza Health Ministry reported a staggering death toll of at least 64,756 since the escalation of violence began on October 7, 2023, with many experts believing the actual figure is higher.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the senators' report presents a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, there are conflicting narratives regarding the extent of the destruction and the motivations behind Israeli actions. Some sources argue that Israel's military operations are necessary for national security, while others emphasize the humanitarian implications of the blockade and military actions.
Conclusion
The report by Senators Van Hollen and Merkley underscores a growing concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the role of the United States in supporting Israeli policies. Their findings call for urgent international action to address what they describe as ethnic cleansing and collective punishment of the Palestinian population. The senators' appeal for accountability and change reflects a significant shift in discourse surrounding US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in the region.
