Explosive Controversy: Democratic Rifts Intensify Amidst Gaza Hospital Blast Fiasco

Democrats in Congress are enraged by Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib's refusal to retract or provide additional context to her statements accusing Israel of being responsible for the destructive blast that devastated a Gaza hospital, causing the deaths of numerous individuals and triggering a negative response towards the US and Israel in the region.

Initially, Tlaib relied on social media posts that originated from Hamas sources in Gaza. However, these reports are currently contradicted by initial findings from American intelligence, which have determined that the Israel Defense Forces were not accountable for the explosion.

The ongoing dispute has exposed deep divisions among congressional Democrats regarding their stance on Israel. As the conflict in Israel and Gaza intensifies, mainstream Democrats, including President Joe Biden, remain steadfast in their support for Israel. However, some progressive House members are now demanding a more aggressive approach, calling for a ceasefire and holding Israel accountable for alleged war crimes against Palestinians. Even within the progressive bloc, notable figures like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez occasionally express diverging viewpoints, adopting a more cautious and conciliatory tone. The political director of Rep. Ro Khanna, another influential progressive, recently resigned due to Khanna's refusal to sign a resolution urging a ceasefire.

Evan Vucci/AP

Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Americans support Biden's stance on US foreign policy regarding Israel. Tlaib, an American of Palestinian descent who has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has emerged as the most prominent critic of Israel in Congress since her election in 2018. Her unwavering insistence on holding Israel accountable for the explosion, despite US intelligence suggesting it was caused by a wayward rocket launched by the extremist group Islamic Jihad, has caused tension among her fellow lawmakers who are committed to projecting a unified front during this distressing period.

"Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz criticized Tlaib's stance, stating that it is disgraceful. Schultz recommended that Tlaib should review the intelligence provided to House members. Schultz further emphasized that Tlaib should take down her tweets instead of persisting with a position that is perilous and inappropriate."

"In response to Tlaib's unwavering position amidst contradictory reports and fresh evidence that Israel was not accountable for the hospital explosion, Democrats have mostly maintained a composed approach. They express frustration with Tlaib's inflexibility and also place blame on the media for its coverage of the tragedy."

"When Israel presents statements, they are required to provide satellite imagery and various types of video as evidence. However, when Hamas makes statements, the entire media sphere quickly spreads it without verification." Stated Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz. "This has resulted in riots in numerous countries and even caused cancellations of presidential meetings. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to exercise caution before reacting and instead wait for official confirmation."

Nevertheless, the attempt to maintain a united front may soon be unmanageable - and the divisions are growing increasingly personal.

According to a knowledgeable source, some Jewish Democrats have expressed their concerns privately to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' team regarding the comments made by Tlaib and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. Initially, these comments attributed blame to Israel for the hospital attack; however, they later provided more context about the hospital explosion and acknowledged the US intelligence assessment. (Jeffries supports the conclusions of both US and Israeli intelligence and his spokesperson stated that he, along with Biden, firmly supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas under the established rules of war. He strongly disagrees with any attempt to blame President Joe Biden or his administration's policies.)

No response was received from Tlaib's office when requested for comments on this matter. Nevertheless, the Michigan Democrat, Tlaib, continued to hold Israel accountable during a rally on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

"That's been incredibly painful—observing people thinking it's acceptable to bomb a hospital, a place where children reside," expressed Tlaib. "What makes it even more challenging is witnessing those distressing videos and individuals advising the children not to shed tears. On the contrary, let them cry. They tremble, and someone—like you're aware—they repeatedly instruct them not to cry in Arabic. They have every right to cry, I have every right to cry, and we all have the right to shed tears. If we're not shedding tears, something is amiss."

U.S. President Joe Biden paused during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was present on the left, while Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and lawmaker Benny Gantz stood on the right. (Photo: Miriam Alster/Pool/AP)

A State Department official resigns due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. House Democrats express anger over Tlaib's remarks, questioning whether to trust Hamas intelligence or United States intelligence, as per the received information.

House Democrats are currently urging Tlaib to receive an intelligence briefing regarding the hospital strike, as per the source.

A different House Democrat found Tlaib's comments to be frustrating, though not entirely surprising. Colleagues are adopting various approaches to addressing the situation, with some voicing their concerns openly and others allowing Tlaib the opportunity to reconsider her statements.

Several Democrats shared Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman's social media post, which encapsulated the sentiments of many of them. Fetterman expressed his deep concern regarding the immediate accusation of Israel for the tragedy at the Gaza hospital. He questioned the credibility of a group that had recently perpetrated the massacre of innocent Israeli citizens, contrasting it with our invaluable ally.

However, a different Democratic aide contended that the criticism aimed at Tlaib and Omar was detrimental to the reputation of the Democratic Party.

"The essence of being a party that celebrates diversity and inclusivity involves embracing individuals who have been marginalized and providing them a platform," the aide explained. "Muslim Americans have faced significant marginalization over the last twenty years, making it crucial for the party to give them representation."

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According to the aide, everyone in Congress acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and the devastating loss of thousands of Israeli lives, which represents the most significant attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust. However, there is a feeling of frustration among Muslim Americans and certain Jewish Americans that the focus of outrage is disproportionately placed on a minority group with limited political influence. Former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland, attempted to minimize the divisions within the caucus.

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is reflected in a window onCapitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 20, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Reuters

Senate passes bipartisan resolution affirming support for Israel

"Hoyer, in an interview with CNN, challenged the audience to provide him with more than four names, indirectly referring to the original "squad" consisting of Tlaib, Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, and Ayanna Pressley. He clarified that while there are individuals within the party who hold different views, their views do not represent the official position of the party."

"Since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's previous dismissive assessment of the squad members in 2019, the number of dissenters has increased. Progressives now constitute a growing proportion of the House Democratic Caucus. Over a dozen Democratic members have publicly called for a cessation of hostilities, including those who endorsed a proposed resolution put forth by Missouri Representative Cori Bush, a newer member of the squad."

"In an accompanying statement, Bush expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life endured by Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans due to this violence. His heart goes out to all those who will forever bear the psychological scars caused by these tragic events. Bush firmly believes that engaging in war and retaliatory violence does not result in accountability or justice; instead, it perpetuates a vicious cycle of further death and human suffering."