CAIR Action Urges Congress to Block $20 Billion Weapons Sale to Israel.

Washington: CAIR Action, a prominent Muslim political organization in the United States, has called on Congress to back the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) led by Senator Bernie Sanders. The resolutions aim to block a proposed $20 billion weapons sale to Israel. This vote is being hailed as a historic moment, marking the first Congressional effort to halt U.S. arms sales to Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, which have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Pentagon's proposal to sell advanced weapons systems to Israel is largely funded by U.S. taxpayers through Foreign Military Financing (FMF). This funding directly implicates the United States in the reported atrocities committed against Palestinians. Documented reports have highlighted Israel's use of these weapons in apparent war crimes, including attacks on civilians, hospitals, and refugee camps. Senator Sanders, in hi s JRD announcement, emphasized the devastating impact of U.S.-supplied weaponry used by Israel. He cited figures of over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and the destruction of 70 percent of Gaza's housing and all 12 universities. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with severe restrictions on food and medical aid, leading tens of thousands towards malnutrition and starvation. Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR Action, stated, "These weapons sales are a blatant violation of U.S. law, including the Arms Export Control Act, which strictly prohibits the use of U.S. weapons except for legitimate self-defense. Providing these weapons while Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza not only contradicts American values but also makes our political leadership complicit. Congress must block these arms transfers and end U.S. complicity in these atrocities." The proposed $20 billion weapons sale is also said to contravene the Biden administration's policies, which are designed to prevent U.S. arms from being used in violations of international law or human rights abuses. The urgency of this vote is highlighted by increasing public opposition to funding Israel's military operations. A majority of Americans, 61%, are reportedly in favor of cutting off weapons to Israel in response to its treatment of Palestinians. "Palestinians are living under constant siege, with their homes, hospitals, and entire communities reduced to rubble," Elkarra added. "Congress now has a historic opportunity to uphold human rights and accountability. Supporting the Sanders resolution is more than a legal obligation - it's a moral imperative." CAIR Action is urging lawmakers to vote in favor of the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to ensure that U.S. weapons are not used to exacerbate violence and human rights violations.