Bernie Sanders has been repeatedly uttering the phrase “Israel has a right to defend itself” on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, which in the year 2025 can only be interpreted as genocide apologia. 

Israel originally claimed troops opened fire because the convoy approached “suspiciously” in darkness without headlights or flashing lights. It said movement of the vehicles had not been previously co-ordinated or agreed with the army.Mobile phone footage, filmed by one of the paramedics all of whom were killed, showed the vehicles did have lights on as they answered a call to help wounded people. The attack which killed fifteen Red Crescent medics was unprovoked.

Since October 2023, at least 208 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces. This is not collateral damage—it is a systematic campaign to eliminate witnesses. By targeting journalists, Israel seeks to control the narrative, to ensure that its actions in Gaza occur in darkness, free from the scrutiny of international law and public opinion.

On the occasion of your 74rh birthday, April 2nd, I am writing to wish you a happy birthday. I sincerely hope that you will be granted an unconditional release before your 75th birthday…