Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) on Sunday denounced Israel’s “occupation” policy, saying she grieved for those killed as violence swept the region following Hamas’ unprecedented incursion from Gaza.
Tlaib – the first Palestinian-American to be sworn into Congress in 2019 – issued a statement slamming Israel as an “apartheid” state after several members of his fellow “Squad” sparked controversy Saturday for calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
“I mourn the loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives yesterday, today, and every day. I am as determined as ever to fight for a just future where everyone can live in peace, without fear and with true freedom, equal rights, and human dignity,” said Tlaib.
“That path to the future must include lifting sanctions, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that created the stifling, inhumane conditions that can lead to resistance.”
Tlaib did not condemn the Palestinian terror group Hamas, which launched a sneak attack involving thousands of rockets and ground attacks on Israel on Saturday – prompting a counterattack by the US ally and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare the country at “war.”
“Failure to recognize the brutal reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid does not make anyone safer. No one, no child anywhere should have to suffer or live in fear of violence. We cannot ignore each other’s humanity,” he said.
Rashida Tlaib has called Israel an apartheid state in the past.Getty Images
“As long as our country provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue,” Tlaib added.
Tlaib is no stranger to controversial statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Throughout his tenure in politics, Tlaib has attacked Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank and the blockade around the Gaza Strip.
In July with Rep. Cory Bush (D-Mo.), he boycotted a speech with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Congress.
One of his ‘Squad’ friends, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) – who along with Tlaib became the first Muslim woman in Congress in 2019 – called Hamas by name.
“I condemn the horrific actions that we see taking place today in Israel against children, women, the elderly, and unarmed people who are being slaughtered and held hostage by Hamas,” Omar said in a statement Saturday
Supporters of the Pakistan Palestine Foundation burned representatives of Israel, and US flags and chanted slogans against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.AP The squad has criticized US policy towards Israel.AP
“Such senseless violence will only repeat the cycle of back and forth we’re seeing.”
Other members of the “Squad” called for a ceasefire in the region.
“Today is devastating for those who seek lasting peace and respect for human rights,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in a statement Saturday. “I strongly condemn the attack by Hamas. No child and family should have to endure this kind of violence and fear, and this violence will not solve the continued oppression and occupation of the region.
“An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives.”
Palestinians at Erez Crossing, also known as Beit Hanoun Crossing, between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. Ahmed Zakot/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Rashida Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress.Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA
The surprise attack by Hamas, which left Israeli defenses and intelligence on edge, came just a day after the 50th anniversary of the start of the Yom Kippur War, which saw Israel repulse a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised “great revenge” and that Israel will emerge “victorious” in the simmering conflict.
Israel has begun bombing key Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip and has indicated that a long and powerful crackdown will follow in retaliation.
As of Sunday afternoon, the death toll was at least 700 dead and 2,100 missing on the Israeli side, according to health officials.
On the Palestinian side, more than 313 Palestinians were reported dead and 1,990 were reported missing, including 20 killed and 121 children injured, according to the Ministry of Health.
Congress has been gripped by paralysis following the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last week.
But some lawmakers have dangled the prospect of adding Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome missile defense system.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
