Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday that U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to commit “human rights violations” in Gaza.
“What we are witnessing are serious violations of human rights in Gaza. This is being done with US military assistance,” AOC said in response to a call from a caller to a conference call.
The caller told Ocasio-Cortez that the Biden administration should “defund Israel” for committing so-called “genocide” and redirect funds for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, which has been under siege since Hamas launched a terrorist attack in Israel on October 7.
AOC expressed her solidarity with the caller.
“We really run the risk of writing a blank check for atrocities,” he responded.
He said billions of dollars in aid to Israel should be tied to human rights and the prevention of “war crimes.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said US military aid to Israel is being used to commit “human rights violations” in Gaza. Getty Images The congresswoman was answering questions during a television meeting. Youtube / RepAOC
The congresswoman, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, said the atrocities committed by Hamas are reprehensible, but that does not justify condoning the slaughter of Gaza residents while Israel moves to expel Hamas terrorists.
He previously accused Israel of committing “war crimes” in retaliation against Hamas terrorists in Gaza for their October 7 attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.
“War crimes do not constitute or justify war crimes,” he said Monday.
Fire and smoke rise after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Saturday, October 7, 2023. AP
AOC cited estimates that between 14,000 and 15,000 Gaza residents have been killed, compared to between 1,000 and 2,000 Hamas terrorists.
“It’s completely unacceptable… I don’t think the American people want our public resources going to fund serious human rights violations,” 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 Army M109 155mm self-propelled howitzer fires shells near the Gaza border in southern Israel on October 11, 2023. AFP via Getty Images An injured Palestinian woman covered in dust and blood hugs an injured girl in hospital following the Israeli bombing of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 15, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
Israel’s leaders said they have to protect the country after falling victim to the Oct. 7 sneak attack by Hamas, noting that terrorists are 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 with human rights are gaining ground in Congress.
He said he has received thousands of calls supporting a ceasefire.
A survey of participants in his tele-town hall found that 87% supported a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and 13% opposed it.
The temporary ceasefire that allowed the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas was a hopeful sign, the congresswoman said.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn