Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a speech opposing the resolutions that the terrorist group Hamas was to blame for the situation in Gaza. "It is in the interest of America and the world to see this terrorist group destroyed," he said.

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two resolutions that would have blocked arms sales to Israel in response to civilian casualties in Gaza were blocked in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, although they garnered more support than similar measures earlier this year.

The Senate has rejected an effort from Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel.