Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Monday that US military aid to Israel is being used to commit “human rights violations” in Gaza.
“What we are witnessing is a severe violation of human rights in Gaza. That was done with the help of the US military,” the AOC said in response to a caller’s plea at a tele-town hall meeting.
Ocasio-Cortez was told by the caller that the Biden administration should “kill Israel” for committing so-called “genocide” and diverting funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza, which has been under siege since Hamas launched a terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7.
AOC expressed sympathy for the caller.
“We really risk writing blank checks for cruelty,” he replied.
He said billions of dollars in aid to Israel should be linked to human rights and prevent “war crimes.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that US military aid to Israel is being used to commit “human rights violations” in Gaza. Getty Images The congressman answered questions during a tele-town hall meeting. Youtube / RepAOC
The congressman, who represents parts of The Bronx and Queens, said the atrocities committed by Hamas are reprehensible, but that does not justify the slaughter of Gazans as Israel moves to purge Hamas terrorists.
He previously accused Israel of committing “war crimes” in revenge against Hamas terrorists in Gaza for its attack on October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.
“War crimes no longer constitute and justify war crimes,” he said Monday.
Fire and smoke rise following Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City, Saturday, Oct. 7. 2023. AP
AOC cites estimates that 14,000 to 15,000 Gazans have been killed compared to 1,000 to 2,000 Hamas terrorists.
“It’s totally unacceptable…I don’t think the American people want to see our public resources going to fund gross human rights abuses,” he said.
He called Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza “unsustainable” and will not lead to any peaceful or lasting solution with the Palestinians.
An Israeli military M109 155mm self-propelled howitzer fires near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on October 11, 2023. AFP via Getty Images A wounded Palestinian woman covered in dust and blood hugs an injured girl in hospital following Israeli bombing of Khan Yunis in the south Gaza Strip on November 15, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
Israel’s leadership said it needed to protect the country after it fell victim to an October 7 sneak attack by Hamas and said terrorists were hiding among civilians, including in tunnels in and around public facilities such as hospitals.
Ocasio-Cortez said support for a ceasefire and linking funding to Israel to human rights is gaining traction in Congress.
He said he had received thousands of calls in support of the ceasefire.
A poll of participants in his tele-town hall found 87% supported a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and 13% opposed.
The temporary ceasefire allowing the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas is a hopeful sign, the congressman said.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
