Statements on Gaza by US rep. Tlaib, other squad members spark backlash

US Representative Rashida Tlaib took to social media late Sunday to give a highly anticipated statement about the surprise attack from Gaza on Israel that began early Saturday morning local time. 

As could be expected, she, along with several other members of the progressive squad in the US House, faced backlash from both Democrats and Republicans for their statements, which included calling Israel an apartheid state.

"I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today, and every day. I am determined as ever to fight for a just future where everyone can live in peace, without fear and with true freedom, equal rights, and human dignity," Tlaib wrote on Instagram.

"The path to that future must include lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance," she continued.

She concluded by writing, "The failure to recognize the violent reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid makes no one safer. No person, no child anywhere, should have to suffer or live in fear of violence. We cannot ignore the humanity in each other."

Fellow squad member, Representative Cori Bush of Missouri, was also blasted for referring to Israel as having an apartheid system and appearing to blame Israel for the attacks from Gaza. 

"Violations of human rights do not justify more violations of human rights, and a military response will only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis alike," Bush said on X, formerly Twitter. "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."

Of the squad members, Representative Ilhan Omar seems to be the most outspoken on the matter, writing multiple social media posts calling for an end to US military aid to Israel and for equal rights for Palestinians.

Ritchie Torres, an outspoken supporter of Israel in Congress, has been making repeated statements on social media about how people should and should not react to the ongoing conflict. 

"US aid to Israel is and should be unconditional, and never more so than in this moment of critical need," the New York lawmaker told Jewish Insider, referring to his Democratic colleagues' posts. "Shame on anyone who glorifies as 'resistance' the largest single-day mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. It is reprehensible and repulsive."

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York released a statement Monday, following a weekend of mainly staying silent on the matter, focusing on human rights and de-escalating violence. 

"Today is devastating for all those seeking a lasting peace and respect for human rights in Israel and Palestine. I condemn Hamas' attack in the strongest possible terms," she said in a written statement. "No child and family should ever endure this kind of violence and fear, and this violence will not solve the ongoing oppression and occupation in the region. An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives."

In addition to criticising her for her statement on Gaza and Israel, several news outlets questioned why Tlaib still had a Palestinian flag in front of her congressional office.