Bernard Sanders, a senior United States senator from Vermont, has expressed strong criticism of the decision by Senate and House leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties to invite Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to address a joint meeting of Congress.
In a statement released on his social media account, Sen. Sanders described the invitation as a "very sad day" for the U.S. and announced that he would not attend the event. He labeled Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and emphasized that while Israel had the right to defend itself against a specific terrorist attack, it did not have the right to wage war against the entire Palestinian population.
Sanders condemned the civilian casualties and extensive damage caused in Gaza, stating that Israel's actions violated both American and international law. He pointed out the devastating impact on Gaza's healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and criticized the blockade that created conditions for starvation and famine among the people of Gaza.
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