Sen. Thom Tillis (RN.C.) confronts anti-Israel demonstrators in the stairwell of the Senate Building Thursday afternoon after a woman claims that Hamas was “legally” voted out by the Palestinian people. did.
In a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tillis tells demonstrators: “This massacre was caused by Hamas. Hamas must stop representing the Palestinian people. Only then can we save and protect the Palestinian people,” he can be heard saying.
Tillis staff said the unidentified protester was a member of the feminist activist group Code Pink and can be heard saying in 2006 that “Hamas was legally voted out.”
South Africa's genocide lawsuit against Israel begins high-stakes legal battle at UN Supreme Court
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) departs from a luncheon with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol on June 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Tillis hit back at the protesters, saying, “They have canceled future elections.”
“These are dictators who raped and murdered Israelis,” Tillis said. “If the Palestinian people elect someone in free elections, I will insist on a ceasefire.”
An unidentified Code Pink protester then said, “Israel won't let them hold elections,” to which Tillis shot back: “Hamas won't let them hold elections.”
“No, it's Israel. Israel is the occupier,” she said.
Sen. Thom Tillis confronts protesters (Screenshot/Sen Thom Tillis Office)
One of Tillis' aides who recorded the video told Fox News Digital that the exchange occurred after a meeting of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Aides said the protesters were waiting outside the room when the meeting ended and began chasing Tillis.
According to its website, Code Pink “ends U.S. war and imperialism, supports peace and human rights efforts, and directs resources to health care, education, green jobs, and other life-affirming programs.” A feminist grassroots organization working to
Israel seeks self-defense after South Africa's genocide accusation filed in international court
New York City police officers block a side road as Palestine supporters drive in a convoy near LaGuardia Airport, targeting JFK and LaGuardia airports with protests, January 1, 2024, in New York City do. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Code Pink told FOX News Digital it had “no comment” but referred to a statement on its website praising “the firm stance taken by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its preliminary judgment in South Africa v. Israel.”
“The court orders Israel to cease all acts amounting to genocide and to urgently facilitate humanitarian assistance to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This is an important step toward justice,” the statement said. There is,” he said.
Earlier this month, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the United Nations Supreme Court alleging that Israel's military actions in Gaza amounted to genocide.
of united nations' The Supreme Court is expected to rule Friday on a request for Israel to halt its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, with a preliminary ruling alleging that Israel has committed genocide in the small coastal enclave.
Top of South Africa's list is asking the court to order Israel to “immediately cease military operations in and against Gaza.” It also calls on Israel to take “reasonable steps” to prevent genocide and enable access to desperately needed aid.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
