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Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) compared the war in Gaza to the devastation of Dresden, Germany, during World War II.

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Sanders said, “What is going on in Gaza now in three months, is worse than what took place in Dresden over a two year period. This is a catastrophe.”

Commuters board a tram in bomb-damaged Dresden, March 12, 1946.

Sanders’ remarks referenced the 1945 bombings of Dresden by US and British forces, which resulted in approximately 25,000 deaths. Sanders, who has been vocal about the war in Gaza, has criticized Israel for its actions against civilians during the war with Hamas. Sanders emphasized Israel’s right to respond to terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas but condemned the extent of their military actions against the entire population of Gaza. He stressed that the US Congress must intervene, especially considering the US military assistance involved in the war.

With this, Senator Sanders said he plans to introduce a resolution in the Senate under the Foreign Assistance Act. This resolution aims to instruct the State Department to investigate any human rights violations by Israel in Gaza. Sanders explained the Act’s stipulation that any military aid provided by the US must align with international human rights standards and American law. He added, “In my opinion, that is certainly not the case. We have a horrific humanitarian catastrophe. We cannot turn our backs on it. Congress has got to start moving to protect children in Palestine.”

Senator Sanders acknowledged the challenge in garnering sufficient support for his resolution, admitting he likely lacks the 51 votes needed for its passage.