US Congress members urge halt to 'Israel' funding amid Gaza bombing

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Oct 2023 17:31

These appeals came in the wake of President Joe Biden's statement, in which he reiterated the US's support of "Israel" in response to an unexpected operation by the Palestinian resistance.

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks during a news conference Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

A US congresswoman has urged the cessation of Washington's financial backing for "Israel" in light of the ongoing conflict affecting the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Bush stressed that the systematic violation of human rights should not serve as an excuse to carry out further transgressions, and military actions would only exacerbate the hardships faced by both Palestinians and Israelis.

"Our ultimate focus must be on a just and lasting peace that ensures safety for everyone in the region," Bush said. "As part of achieving a just and lasting peace, we must do our part to stop this violence and trauma by ending US government support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid."

The first Palestinian American Muslim woman elected to Congress in the US, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, has also advocated for discontinuing US assistance to "Israel." Tlaib's remarks underscored the significance of lifting the blockade, putting an end to the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system.

These appeals came in the wake of President Joe Biden's statement, in which he reiterated the US's support of "Israel" in response to an unexpected operation by the Palestinian resistance.

"I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of "Israel"," Biden said on Saturday, adding that his administration's support for "Israel" is unwavering and is committed to maintaining continuous communication with Netanyahu.

A day after the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was announced, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Sunday that the US will move a carrier strike group, which includes the USS Gerald R. Ford, closer to the area.

Austin stated in the news release that in addition to Navy assets, he has made efforts to strengthen US Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the area.

On Tuesday, US defense officials revealed their intention to deploy a second aircraft carrier near occupied Palestine in support of the Israeli occupation.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the move increases the risk that things will escalate in the current situation in Palestine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan likewise voiced his reaction on Tuesday, warning that the US encroaching its carrier strike group closer to "Israel" would constitute "serious massacres" in Gaza.