‘We should kill ’em all’: US Congressman Andy Ogle suggests mass killing of Palestinians

US Congressman Andy Ogles has sparked outrage after suggesting that all Palestinians should be killed during a confrontation with protestors demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. 

During the incident, which was caught on video, Ogles reiterates Israeli claims that Hamas committed acts of sexual violence and murder against Israeli children. 

An activist responded that the US was complicit in the killing of Palestinian children due to Washington's close relationship with Israel before the congressman made the chilling remarks.

"So, I think we should kill them all, if that makes you feel real better," Ogles said. 

"Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It's time to pay the piper."

Ogles' remarks drew condemnation, with people demanding immediate repercussions for the Republican politician. 

"I think we should kill them all." -Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) on Palestinians in Gazapic.twitter.com/fu1YkS5DVg

— Waleed Shahid 🪬 (@_waleedshahid) February 21, 2024

“Any congressional resolutions to censure or expel Ogles?” Democratic Strategist Waleed Shahid asked in a post on X, referencing the censure of Palestinian-American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib over her criticism of Israel’s military conduct. 

Ogles was among the 212 in his party to vote against Tlaib on the alleged grounds that she "justified" Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel.

Activist group Jewish Voice for Peace Action wrote on X: "Not a peep from Congressional leadership in response to this murderous statement and open support for genocide." 

In a statement released on Wednesday, the American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC)  “unequivocally” denounced Ogles' remarks.

Highlighting the rise of anti-Muslim hate crimes across Tennessee since 7 October, the advocacy group said the congressman's comments were a call for "the extermination of the Palestinian people".

The New Arab reached out to Ogles' office for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The controversial incident comes after the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Tuesday that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

“Such rhetoric is not only abhorrent but also antithetical to our values as a state. It is such rhetoric that has continued to foster a political climate where extremist ideologies flourish, empowering neo-Nazis to openly parade through our streets and allowing genocidal sentiments to go unchallenged," AMAC wrote.

"This cannot be tolerated any longer. As citizens of Tennessee, we deserve better representation from those elected to office."

The veto provoked a chorus of criticism of Washington, including from US allies France, Malta and Slovenia. 

The vote came as Israel prepares to move into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where some 1.4 million people have fled.

Israel's campaign has killed more than 29,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the latest count by the health ministry. 

AFP also contributed to this report.