Sat Aug 02 00:30:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and a rewrite of the text as a news article:**
**Summary:**
A Senate vote to block arms sales to Israel failed, but advocates for Palestinian rights are highlighting the growing number of Democratic lawmakers who supported the measure as a sign of a significant shift in the party’s stance on Israel. The vote reflects increasing domestic and international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and public opinion polls show a growing opposition to Israel’s policies, especially among young Americans and Democrats. Supporters of the bill see the vote as a sign that pressure on lawmakers is working, while opponents like AIPAC acknowledge the growing attempts to challenge pro-Israel policies in Congress.
**News Article:**
**Palestinian Rights Advocates See ‘Shift’ Despite Senate Failure to Block Arms to Israel**
**Washington, D.C.** – Despite failing to pass a resolution to block weapons sales to Israel, Palestinian rights advocates are celebrating the growing number of Democratic senators who supported the measure as a sign of a significant shift in the political landscape. The vote, held late Wednesday, saw a majority of Senate Democrats backing the resolution, although it ultimately failed 27-70.
The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Bernie Sanders, aimed to halt the transfer of assault rifles to Israel, one of two measures targeting weapons shipments that ultimately failed. While both were defeated, advocates emphasized the record number of lawmakers who supported restricting arms compared to similar past efforts.
“It was incredibly significant. We’re seeing a fundamental shift in the Democratic Party on Israel,” said Yasmine Taeb, of MPower Change Action Fund.
The vote comes amid mounting domestic and international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including accusations of genocide. Senator Tammy Duckworth, traditionally a strong supporter of Israel, voted in favor of the measure, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s restrictions on aid. “Enough is enough,” she said, highlighting the starvation impacting innocent civilians.
Four of the six new Democratic senators also supported the measure, further indicating a generational shift on the issue. Public opinion polls reflect this trend, with young Americans and Democrats increasingly disapproving of Israel’s military actions.
“The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza,” Sanders said.
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) called the vote a “historic sign of progress,” while IfNotNow, a progressive Jewish group, deemed it a “historic moment.”
Opponents of the resolution, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), welcomed its defeat but acknowledged the growing attempts to challenge pro-Israel policies in Congress. The group vowed to increase efforts to support pro-Israel candidates in upcoming elections.