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 voted down measures from Sen. Bernie Sanders to block weapons sales to Israel on Wednesday night, but he and others long opposed to Israel's military campaign in Gaza were celebrating the result as a victory nonetheless.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” as well as meeting other conditions.

A U.N. meeting, amid increasing anger at Israel over widespread deprivation in Gaza, called on nations to recognize statehood for Palestine.

Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to salvage ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss conditions in Gaza amid reports of a "humanitarian crisis" there.

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Israel on Thursday to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, one source familiar with the move and one senior White House official