Two resolutions that would have blocked arms sales to Israel in response to civilian casualties in Gaza have been blocked in the US Senate, although they garnered more support than similar measures earlier this year, Reuters reports.

The two resolutions were introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent aligned with Democrats. They failed by 73 to 24 and 70 to 27 in the 100-member chamber.

Sanders said in a statement he was pleased that a majority of the Democratic caucus had backed the effort.

“The tide is turning. The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza,” Sanders said. “The Democrats are moving forward on this issue, and I look forward to Republican support in the near future.”

The resolutions would have blocked the sale of $675 million in bombs and shipments of 20,000 assault rifles.