"For many, it is no secret that Gaza has been an open-air prison, with millions of people struggling to secure basic necessities," Sanders said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

"Israel's blanket denial of food, water, and other necessities to Gaza is a serious violation of international law and will do nothing but harm innocent civilians."

Sanders also reiterated his prior condemnation of the Hamas attack, calling it a "major setback for any hope of peace and reconciliation in the region – and justice for the Palestinian people."

Sanders is among the most prominent Jewish politicians in America, and during his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020, he was notably far more critical of Israel than most Democrats.

His comments are largely in line with those of progressive "Squad" members in the House, who have called for a cease-fire in the wake of the Hamas attack.

Some of those lawmakers have also used the word "apartheid" to describe Israeli's occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, a term that's used by numerous international human rights groups but is largely eschewed by American politicians.

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