Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, has criticized the Biden administration’s military aid to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, mainly targeting Hamas.
During a tele-town hall meeting, she addressed questions about the Middle East conflict and responded to a constituent’s suggestion that the U.S. should redirect funding from Israel to Gaza.
Ocasio-Cortez advocates for Leahy Law enforcement in U.S. military aid
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of adhering to the Leahy Law, a set of statutes that prohibit U.S. military aid to foreign security forces implicated in gross human rights violations.
She stated, “Forces that are recipients of U.S. military aid cannot be engaging in gross human rights violations.”
“And if they are engaged in gross human rights violations, then that aid must be either pulled, reconsidered, conditioned, etc.”
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Ocasio-Cortez critiques U.S. military aid in Gaza under Leahy Law
The Leahy Law, as defined by the State Department, ensures that U.S. funds are not used to support units of foreign security forces involved in human rights abuses.
Ocasio-Cortez argued that the situation in Gaza, where human rights violations are occurring, is being exacerbated by U.S. military assistance.
Ocasio-Cortez condemns U.S. funding of human rights violations in Gaza
She expressed her belief that American resources should not finance such violations, saying, “What we are witnessing is the gross violation of human rights in Gaza, and that is being done with U.S. military assistance.”
“I don’t think that the American people want to see our public resources going to finance gross human rights violations.”
Ocasio-Cortez: Pro-Palestinian activism sways Democrats toward cease-fire
The Congresswoman also addressed the impact of pro-Palestinian activism on Democratic lawmakers, acknowledging its role in increasing support for a cease-fire.
She highlighted the influence of constituent engagement, noting that representatives from swing seats, who are not traditionally progressive, are beginning to favor a cease-fire due to public pressure.
Ocasio-Cortez urges continued activism amid security concerns
“These are not just progressives,” she noted, encouraging continued activism and outreach to lawmakers.
However, some aspects of this activism have raised security concerns.
Escalating pro-Palestinian protests target DNC, Goldman’s office
Representative Daniel Goldman, also a Democrat from New York, experienced vandalism at his Brooklyn office with pro-Palestinian messages.
Furthermore, a demonstration outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters became so intense that an inside Democratic lawmaker likened it to the violent January 6, 2021, protest at the U.S. Capitol.
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Ocasio-Cortez’s stance spotlights debate on U.S. policy in Israeli-Palestinian war
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reflect a growing debate within the Democratic Party and among U.S. policymakers regarding the approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The use of American military aid and the complexities of addressing human rights while maintaining diplomatic and security alliances in the Middle East.
Gaza crisis underscores complexities in U.S. foreign policy
The situation in Gaza, coupled with the varying perspectives within the U.S. political landscape, highlights the multifaceted nature of foreign policy and international relations in addressing long-standing conflicts.
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