Tlaib not to apologize for blaming 'Israel' for Gaza hospital massacre

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Oct 2023 14:55

The reaction to Tlaib's statements expose deeper fractures within the Democratic Party.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., holds a sign that reads “boycott apartheid” outside the US Capitol, on July 17, 2023. (AP)

Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib stood her ground on Wednesday, declining to apologize for her statement the previous day in which she held "Israel" responsible for the airstrike on a hospital in Gaza, an assertion that garnered strong criticism from Republicans.

Tlaib, among thousands of demonstrators demanding a Gaza ceasefire, participated in a solidarity rally organized by the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace at the National Mall. During her impassioned speech, she displayed visible emotions, occasionally halting her address to openly express her sorrow and to criticize lawmakers who have not supported a ceasefire resolution.

Happening NOW | Numerous Jewish Americans are staging a sit-in at #Congress while calling for a ceasefire in #Gaza.#GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/qNzT4osn2m
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 18, 2023

"As an American, not just as a member of the United States Congress, I am ashamed. I am ashamed that they're saying, 'Not yet. Maybe next week.' ... How many more have to die?" Tlaib said.

She also discussed the negative reaction she received, commending the attendees for the "courage it's taken to speak up."

"The American Jewish community in my district, and all of you here. I just know how much courage it's taken to speak up. Many of you have been targeted. You're being gas lit. Some people are losing their jobs. Folks are getting events canceled. Literally, their First Amendment right wiped away for standing up and saying that children deserve to live. It is literally inhumane for my colleagues to allow that to continue and say nothing," Tlaib said.

Tlaib also criticized President Joe Biden for his backing of "Israel" in its ongoing aggression on Gaza.

"To my president, to our president ... I want him to know, as a Palestinian American and somebody in Muslim faith, I'm not going to forget this. And I think a lot of people are not going to forget this," Tlaib said.

"President Biden, not all Americans are with you on this one and you need to understand that. We are literally watching people commit genocide and killing the vast majority just like this, and we still stand by and say nothing. We will remember this," she stated.

Rep. Ilhan Omar is also under fire from Republicans for making similar remarks on Tuesday, placing blame on "Israel" for the airstrike on the hospital in Gaza.

Tlaib posted a tweet on Tuesday afternoon, accusing "Israel" of bombing the Baptist Hospital and causing the deaths of at least 500 Palestinians, including doctors, children, and patients. She also pointed the finger at President Biden, claiming that his refusal to facilitate a ceasefire and de-escalation led to such tragedies.

Tlaib further criticized his approach to war and destruction and highlighted its impact on Palestinian Americans and Muslim Americans. She emphasized that they would remember his stance on the issue.

Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that. @POTUS this is what happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire & help de-escalate.

Your war and destruction only approach has opened my eyes and many… https://t.co/mZYoifT7bj
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) October 17, 2023

In a Tuesday afternoon tweet, Omar stated that bombing a hospital constitutes one of the most serious war crimes.

Bombing a hospital is among the gravest of war crimes. The IDF reportedly blowing up one of the few places the injured and wounded can seek medical treatment and shelter during a war is horrific.@POTUS needs to push for an immediate ceasefire to end this slaughter. https://t.co/dPJ48dyDe8
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 17, 2023

The criticism also highlighted the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party when it comes to "Israel", with these two representatives prominently expressing their discontent with the Israeli government.

#JoeBiden has "blood on his hands," social media users are saying following the death of 6-year-old boy #WadeaAlFayoume stabbed to death by a landlord in #Chicago after expressing anti-#Muslim and anti-Palestinian views.#Palestine pic.twitter.com/N8xqxVsxbB
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 17, 2023

Tlaib and Omar, the initial two Muslim women elected to Congress, have consistently been some of the most vocal critics of the Israeli occupation. Their remarks have occasionally been accused of allegedly containing anti-Semitic remarks by fellow lawmakers and others in congressional leadership. Moreover, some of the backlash directed at Tlaib and Omar for their previous statements has itself been scrutinized for harboring Islamophobic or racist undertones.