Prominent Western lawmakers and former officials have sharply criticized the United States and Israel over the expanding conflict in the Middle East, accusing both governments of misleading the public and contributing to widespread civilian casualties in Iran and Lebanon.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted the humanitarian crisis, stressing that the devastation extends far beyond Iran. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes over the past two weeks have reportedly killed at least 570 people and displaced approximately 750,000 residents — more than 10 percent of the country’s population. Sanders condemned Israel for targeting residential buildings without warning and warned that the U.S. “cannot continue to be complicit in the wars” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The controversy escalated after the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that a U.S. military strike had hit an elementary school in Iran, killing 175 people, mostly children. Initially, the attack had been publicly attributed to Iran itself before the Pentagon later confirmed U.S. responsibility. Sanders questioned the credibility of the administration’s statements, asking what other key facts might have been misrepresented.
Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib strongly condemned the strike, calling it a “heinous war crime.” She demanded impeachment proceedings against Trump and called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be removed, accusing him of weakening safeguards designed to prevent civilian casualties. Tlaib further argued that U.S. officials must face accountability in international courts.
Across the Atlantic, British Member of Parliament Zarah Sultana said that more than 1,300 Iranians have died since the start of U.S.–Israel military actions against Iran, with nearly a third of the victims being children. She also stated that at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals had been deliberately targeted, calling the attacks “grave violations of international law.” Sultana highlighted the situation in Lebanon, where over 600 people, including 86 children, have reportedly been killed, and around 700,000 displaced. She urged the United Kingdom to immediately halt cooperation with the conflict, including arms sales, intelligence sharing, and allowing U.S. use of British military bases.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the bombing of the Iranian school one of the most devastating military errors in decades. She accused the Trump administration of deceiving the public and criticized Hegseth for dismantling civilian protection mechanisms during military operations.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also condemned U.S. policies that she says have financially supported Israeli military actions. Omar stated that billions of dollars provided to Israel have fueled violence in Gaza and accused Netanyahu and Trump of orchestrating an “unconscionable war with Iran.” She added that Americans are increasingly frustrated with funding foreign conflicts tied to Israel’s policies.
Adding to the outcry, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene highlighted Israel’s airstrikes in Christian villages in Lebanon, which reportedly killed Father Pierre El-Rahi, a beloved priest. Greene urged the United States to stop funding, arming, and supporting Israeli attacks on innocent civilians, particularly children.
These statements reflect growing international concern over civilian casualties and the escalation of military operations in the region. As the conflict continues, calls for investigations, accountability, and a reassessment of military and financial support to Israel are intensifying in both the United States and Europe, with lawmakers demanding immediate action to prevent further humanitarian disasters.
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