US Democrats condemn Cuban civilian hardship under US energy embargo

Four Democratic members of the U.S. Congress returned from a fact‑finding trip to Cuba and described the island’s civilian population as living in a “silent Gaza.” They said the energy blockade imposed by the Trump administration in early January prevents people from working, preserving food and accessing medical supplies. The lawmakers announced new legislative initiatives aimed at mitigating the humanitarian impact of the sanctions and at requiring congressional approval before any future U.S. military actions against Cuba.

The trip comes amid renewed U.S. accusations that Cuba hosts hostile military and intelligence facilities, statements from the White House, and remarks by Senator Marco Rubio calling Marxism and communism a threat to Western values. Despite recent Cuban economic reforms, the congressmen argued that sanctions remain the primary obstacle to daily life on the island.