Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined several members of the U.S. House of Representatives for a press conference to call for immediate action to stop sending bombs, tank shells, and artillery rounds to Israel.
Lawmakers Speak Out on Gaza Crisis
The lawmakers emphasized that U.S. weapons are being used in ways that contribute to mass civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Ocasio-Cortez highlighted that violence has killed over 64,000 people in Gaza. She said the attacks destroyed hospitals, caused civilian suffering, and forced families to care for the wounded without proper medical help. Children are facing extreme hunger as access to food becomes scarce. She stressed that much of the devastation has been carried out using U.S.-made bombs.
The congresswoman underscored that U.S. law prohibits providing weapons to forces committing war crimes. Despite this, she criticized the administration of President Donald Trump for continuing arms transfers to Israel. Lawmakers argue that it is Congress’s responsibility to enforce these laws and prevent American weapons from fueling further civilian harm.
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Block the Bombs Act
The Block the Bombs Act is the proposed legislation that lawmakers are advocating. Its purpose is to stop the U.S. government from delivering bombs and other offensive weapons to Israel. It also aims to prevent President Trump from bypassing Congress to carry out these arms transfers.
During the press conference, Ocasio-Cortez pointed to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many hospitals no longer function, and violence has killed doctors or blocked them from reaching medical facilities. Without assistance, children face starvation and serious health risks. Lawmakers stressed that continuing weapons transfers only deepens the crisis.
The legislation is not the first effort to challenge arms sales to Israel. Earlier statements from lawmakers highlighted that the Israeli government was blocking humanitarian aid. They also urged the Senate to prevent U.S. weapons from being used in attacks on civilians. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced resolutions to stop President Trump’s proposed sale of large bombs. The resolutions also aimed to block fully automatic rifles and other advanced munitions. The Block the Bombs Act builds on these initiatives to ensure U.S. law is followed and civilians are protected.
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Calls for Humanitarian Relief and Diplomacy
Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. They stressed that families in Gaza need food, medical supplies, and safety. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted that the children of Gaza are suffering the most and called for immediate relief measures alongside efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically.
In addition to aid, lawmakers called for the release of hostages taken during the ongoing conflict. They argued that stopping U.S. weapons transfers is essential to reduce civilian casualties and create conditions for diplomatic engagement.
The press conference and proposed legislation show that Congress is actively reviewing military support in situations that harm civilians. The Block the Bombs Act aims to ensure that U.S. weapons do not contribute to violence against innocent people.
By highlighting the destruction in Gaza, lawmakers are calling on Congress to take decisive action. Their message focused on enforcing U.S. law, preventing further civilian suffering, and addressing the humanitarian crisis with urgent relief and diplomatic solutions.
For more details, read the full press release on Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s official website