AOC Ignores Warnings, Advocates For Hamas-Friendly Ceasefire in Israel War
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In a recent interview on MSNBC’s Mehdi Hasan Show, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her willingness to accept a ceasefire that would leave Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip. The New York Democrat emphasized the need for an immediate pause in the ongoing conflict and criticized Israel’s response to Hamas attacks, calling it “indiscriminate bombing.”
Ocasio-Cortez questioned the acceptable cost of innocent lives when targeting Hamas and pointed out the asymmetry and collective punishment faced by the Palestinian people. While acknowledging Hamas’ engagement in horrific attacks, she argued that war crimes cannot be justified as a response to other war crimes.
The congresswoman’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with other members of the progressive “Squad” like Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. However, Ocasio-Cortez recently broke ranks with her colleagues to condemn antisemitism at pro-Palestine rallies.Ocasio-Cortez strongly criticized the Israeli government’s “total siege” on Gaza, which was imposed after Israel declared war on Hamas. She highlighted issues such as the blockading of essential resources and the use of white phosphorous, which she deemed as war crimes. The congresswoman stressed that the deaths of Palestinian children should not be used to justify the violence witnessed on October 7th.
While over 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, the majority being civilians targeted in the initial Hamas assault, the Gaza health ministry alleges that over 4,300 Palestinians have lost their lives. Ocasio-Cortez questioned the success of Israeli counterattacks and emphasized that the conflict is part of a larger intergenerational cycle of violence.
Diverging from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez voiced her disagreement with unconditional support for Israel. Instead, she called for a focus on breaking the cycle of violence as a means of achieving a political aim.
In short, Ocasio-Cortez’s comments showcase her support for a ceasefire that would allow Hamas to remain in control of the Gaza Strip. Her criticism of Israel’s response, emphasis on the humanitarian toll, and call for breaking the cycle of violence set her apart from some of her fellow Democrats and most Republicans.
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