On “CNN NewsNight” on Tuesday, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) accused the Biden administration of inaccurately placing the blame for the failure of a six-week ceasefire solely on Hamas. negotiation. It was Israel that refused to send negotiators to the table, saying: “We must remember that a ceasefire does not magically happen. It is negotiated by various interested parties.” It’s a process.”
Host Abby Phillip asked, “So, one of my Democratic colleagues, Rep. Moskowitz (D-Fla.), was on the show last night. What do you think?” Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, for example, he suggested that China may be using TikTok’s algorithms to strengthen divisions within the country, which is one of his concerns from a national security perspective. He suggested that there was. Do you think there is any validity to that? ”
“I think people are feeling uncomfortable,” Omar responded. [in] It’s the fact that, for the first time in our nation’s history, Americans have access to real footage of the horrors that Palestinians experience every day and the onslaught that is currently occurring. This horrific attack on Gaza is actually being broadcast to everyone in this country. Therefore, we no longer need to rely on traditional media for information. Each person is receiving information directly from the mouths of those who are being slaughtered. ”
Phillip later said that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said a six-week ceasefire was being considered if Hamas only released women, wounded and elderly hostages, but they I played a video where I said I wouldn’t do that.
Philip then said, “If a ceasefire were on the table today, Hamas might agree to it today. Does he have a point?”
Omar replied: “My understanding is that Hamas appeared in Egypt for negotiations.” It was Israel that refused to send negotiators to the table to reach an agreement. It must be remembered that a cease-fire does not happen magically. This is a process negotiated by various interested parties. Therefore, I hope that Jake remains an honest mediator in this dispute. ”
Philip then asked, “There’s something on the table, a ceasefire that Israel agreed to, they want the hostages back, Hamas says they won’t agree to it, and you say there’s a problem there.” Are you saying you don’t think about it?” Can you not believe that is the state of the negotiations today? ”
Mr. Omar replied: “Well, according to a current Associated Press report, Hamas negotiators have arrived in Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire, and Israel has decided not to send anyone to Egypt for negotiations. You can have specific requests that you want, and we obviously want the hostages to be released and returned to their families, including American hostages, and that There are young children among the hostages, so it’s important that we do everything we can, but the more we say we’re doing everything we can to get everyone to the ceasefire table. Don’t be dishonest, it’s a permanent solution.”
Philip said, “So, let me be clear again, Congressman, you are saying that Jake Sullivan is disingenuous when he says that Israel is willing to come to the table and sign a cease-fire agreement.” Is that so?” he continued.
“I’m saying he’s not sharing the full story,” Omar said. “I don’t know if he’s being honest, but it certainly doesn’t match the current reporting that’s coming out of the negotiation effort. ”
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