Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sidestepped a question from NBC’s Kristen Welker about whether calling Israel’s military actions a “genocide” is going too far.
The progressive agitator has been harshly critical of Israel’s military strategy, recently saying that “grave human rights violations” were being committed in the Gaza Strip and likening it to “war crimes.”
Left-wing lawmakers such as fellow Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) have also accused the Biden administration of supporting genocide by supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza. .
Meanwhile, other progressive activists have been protesting on university campuses, calling Israel’s actions a “genocide” and echoing the horrific terrorist attack on civilians carried out by Hamas from Gaza on October 7. calls on the United States to stop sending aid to the Jewish state, which has been victimized by
“Some of your colleagues, including Rashida Tlaib, have accused the president of supporting genocide. I agree with the word genocide, the president supports genocide. Or are you going too far?” Welker asked AOC during an interview on “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
“I think what we’re seeing across the country right now is that young people are appalled by the violence and the indiscriminate loss of life,” the lawmaker said, avoiding a direct question.
Instead, she cited a recent ruling by the United Nations International Court of Justice that says Israel has a responsibility to prevent genocide.
“They’re still determining whether it’s genocide or not. Do you think that term is responsible given that it’s still under investigation?” Welker said President Biden He pointed out that pro-Palestinian activists in the department called him “Genocide Joe,” and put pressure on him.
“I believe they are. They’re still deciding that. But the fact that the interim ruling says they have a responsibility to prevent that, this word is being used. In fact, I think the fact that this word is even in our discussion is indicative of the mass inhumanity that Gazans face,” AOC said.
Despite the problematic use of the word “genocide,” AOC cited polls showing “a majority of Americans” have concerns about the word as a rationale for allowing such rhetoric. listed.
“I don’t think that’s the case. [using the word] It uses someone completely thrown out of our public sphere,” she added before concluding.
“I think what we are seeing here is that the Netanyahu government is losing popular support and we have a responsibility to protect the human rights and humanity of Gazans and hostages alike. ”
In November, the White House said it was wrong for pro-Palestinian demonstrators to repeatedly call President Biden “Genocidal Joe” because of his support for Israel, and that the Jewish state would “wipe the Palestinians off the map” by invading them. ”, he argued, and objected to this. of the Gaza Strip.
Currently, Mr. Biden is Trying to broker a deal for a long-term suspension While seeking re-election in November, he is fighting for the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
AOC’s comments were first reported by Mediaite.
