US activists condemn Congress vote to provide billions in military aid to Israel

Pro-Palestinian advocates have condemned the passage on Saturday of a long-expected bill that will give billions in military aid to Israel.

The passage of HR 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, will send $14.3 in unconditional aid to Israel as it continues its indiscriminate war in Gaza. The bill is expected to easily pass in the Senate.

"History will not look kindly on the members of Congress who voted to send more warplanes, bombs, and unconditional military funds that will further enable the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza," said Beth Miller, political director with Jewish Voice for Peace Action, in a public statement on Saturday.

"This vote rewards the warmongering Netanyahu regime and brings the entire region closer to the brink of a full-blown war," she added.

The bill was passed 366-58, with 37 Democrats and 21 Republicans voting against it. Though it passed overwhelmingly, the opposition to it reflected growing dissent, particularly within the Democratic Party, at unconditional military support for Israel.

Several Democrats in competitive races for the 2024 election cycle voted against the bill, possibly a sign of their constituents' opposition to the war.

"The historic number of Democrats who voted ‘no’ today have taken a stand for humanity and human rights. Their votes reflect the desire of the overwhelming majority of their base - including American Jews - who do not want our tax dollars to fund genocide," said Miller.

The Israeli military has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Gaza which killed 1,160 Israelis.

As the bombing and the siege on Gaza continues, there are growing reports of deaths from malnutrition and dehydration, as well as from a lack of basic medical care. Multiple human rights groups have described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.