A delegation of four Democratic members of the U.S. Congress has sharply criticized Washington’s sanctions on Cuba, arguing that the island’s worsening humanitarian conditions resemble a “silent Gaza” as residents struggle with prolonged power outages, fuel shortages and limited access to essential services.
The lawmakers Representatives Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico, Maxine Dexterof Oregon and Delia RamÃrez of Illinois, spent several days in Cuba meeting with President Miguel DÃaz-Canel, cabinet ministers, healthcare professionals, business leaders and members of civil society. The visit marked the second congressional delegation to the island in recent months amid heightened tensions between Havana and Washington.
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Speaking after touring affected communities, Rep. Pocan said Cubans described the country’s hardships as a “silent Gaza” a reference to the widespread disruption caused by severe energy shortages rather than armed conflict. He said the sanctions have contributed to daily blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in some areas, disrupting healthcare, transportation, food preservation, education and economic activity.
The delegation also questioned the effectiveness of the current U.S. policy, arguing that broad economic restrictions have placed the greatest burden on ordinary citizens rather than government officials. Several lawmakers indicated they plan to pursue legislative measures aimed at easing the humanitarian impact of the sanctions, particularly those affecting medical supplies, electricity generation and public health services.
Despite the visit, lawmakers acknowledged that there are currently no formal negotiations underway between the United States and Cuba to ease the sanctions. Their remarks come as both governments continue limited diplomatic contacts, even as relations remain strained over longstanding political differences and recent U.S. measures targeting Cuba’s energy sector.
