On Sunday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., argued that Americans “should not exclude anyone from our public discourse.” accuses Israel of genocide in the war against Hamas.
Ocasio-Cortez claimed in an interview on “Meet the Press” that “a large number of Americans” think the term “genocide” refers to Israel. Actions in the Middle East.
“Whether or not you’re a person who believes it’s a genocide — by the way, in our survey, we find that a large number of Americans are particularly interested in that word. So I don’t think it’s okay to completely exclude someone from our public discourse to use them.”
The New York Democrat added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has “lost public support.”
Ocasio-Cortez was asked to respond to colleagues, including progressives, who have accused President Joe Biden of supporting genocide. Rep. Rashida TlaibD-Mich.
“Do you agree with the word ‘genocide’ in the president’s endorsement of genocide, or is that going too far?” moderator Kristen Welker asked.
“I think what we’re seeing right now across the country is that young people are horrified by the violence and the indiscriminate loss of life,” he said.
Ocasio-Cortez also noted that The International Court of Justice ruled against Israel It must take all measures within its powers to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
“The fact that they’re saying there’s a responsibility to prevent this, that this word is even in the game, that this word is even in our discourse, I think shows the massive inhumanity that Gazans are facing,” he said.
Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives have faced backlash for comparing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid South Africa while voicing support for the Palestinians. Members of the progressive House “caucus” have been accused of being too soft on Palestinian militants.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal supporter of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, condemned the militant group and said: “I strongly condemn the attack by Hamas” After clashes broke out in October at a pro-Palestinian rally held and promoted by some of its allies.