WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released a statement about the decision by the United States and other nations to freeze funding for the United Nations’ agency, UNRWA, that provides food, water, and essential services for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip – 1.1 million of whom are already at risk of starvation:

“More than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in this war, seventy percent of whom are women and children. Today, hundreds of thousands of children face starvation and disease. Obviously, it’s not acceptable for any of the 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza to be involved with Hamas, and allegations against the 12 people charged must be investigated. However, we cannot allow millions to suffer because of the actions of 12 people. The U.S. and other countries must restore funding to stave off this humanitarian catastrophe.”