Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) denounced the surprise Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel while calling Israel's blockade on Gaza a "serious violation of international law" in a statement released on Wednesday.

Progressive Democrats have faced heavy criticisms from Republicans over their defense of the Palestinian side in the conflict in the Middle East. Sanders's statement sought to walk the fine line between expressing sorrow over Israel's losses while calling for protecting innocent civilians in Gaza.

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"Hamas' terrorist assault on Israel will have horrific short- and long-term consequences," Sanders said. "This attack is a major setback for any hope of peace and reconciliation in the region — and justice for the Palestinian people."

"For many, it is no secret that Gaza has been an open-air prison, with millions of people struggling to secure basic necessities," the Vermont senator continued. "Hamas' terrorism will make it much more difficult to address that tragic reality and will embolden extremists on both sides, continuing the cycle of violence."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, the first such declaration since 1973. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip in the wake of Saturday's surprise attack, cutting off food, electricity, and fuel to 2 million residents. "We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly," Gallant said on Monday, leading to criticism from some members of the House Democratic Caucus.

As the war enters its fifth day of fighting, at least 2,200 people have died. President Joe Biden announced that 22 American citizens also died in the conflict.

Sanders also focused on decreasing the human suffering from the war in his statement on the conflict. "The targeting of civilians is a war crime, no matter who does it. 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 said. "The United States has rightly offered solidarity and support to Israel in responding to Hamas' attack. But we must also insist on restraint from Israeli forces attacking Gaza and work to secure U.N. humanitarian access."

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Some liberal lawmakers on Capitol Hill have faced scrutiny for their response to the warfare. Members of the Democratic "Squad," including Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian member of Congress, have described Israel as an apartheid state, prompting backlash from Republican presidential candidates.

Their actions have also prompted criticism from other Democrats while Biden has declared unequivocal support for Israel to defend itself and will likely offer some form of aid to the beleaguered nation.