Green Bay Reporter

Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) have led a bipartisan effort urging Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to enforce existing sanctions on terrorist groups that use human shields. The lawmakers are calling for the implementation of the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act, which was passed unanimously by Congress and signed into law in 2018.

In their letter, the representatives highlight the need for these sanctions, stating that despite the passage of the law, no sanctions have been imposed on groups like Hamas and Hizballah, who have been known to use innocent civilians as human shields. They argue that imposing and enforcing these sanctions would send a strong message that the United States does not tolerate the use of human shields and would encourage other countries to take similar actions against this war crime.

The letter also references several instances where President Biden and members of his administration have condemned Hamas for its use of human shields. These include statements made by President Biden himself, Secretary Blinken, and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The representatives commend the president for taking a clear stance on the issue and emphasize the importance of following these statements with action.

The representatives point out that the use of human shields is a war crime and that Hamas and Hizballah have been extensively documented using this tactic. They highlight the recent conflict in October 2023, where Hamas seized more than 200 individuals in Israel and used them as human shields in Gaza. They also note that Hamas continues to locate its weapons and military intelligence in civilian population centers, placing innocent Palestinian civilians at risk.

The lawmakers argue that the enforcement of sanctions under the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act is crucial in demonstrating support for Israel and establishing a firm legal position against these heinous crimes. They urge Secretary Yellen and Secretary Blinken to prioritize the swift imposition and enforcement of these sanctions against Hamas and Hizballah.

In conclusion, Representative Gallagher, Representative Sherman, and their colleagues call on the Biden administration to enforce existing sanctions on terrorist groups that use human shields. They emphasize the need for action to be taken against Hamas and Hizballah, highlighting the extensive evidence of their use of innocent civilians as human shields. The representatives believe that imposing and enforcing these sanctions will send a strong message and hold these groups accountable for their war crimes.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-leads-bipartisan-call-biden-administration-officials-enforce