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.

In a sign of mounting apprehension over Israel ’s war in Gaza, a majority of Senate Democrats voted in favor of resolutions to block U.S. weapons sales to Israel on Wednesday. Despite this growing support, the measures failed by wide margins in the Republican-controlled chamber.

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