Ocasio-Cortez stands by her stance on Israel's actions in floor speech

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended her stance on accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people and calling for cuts to US military aid until humanitarian relief reaches Gaza. She explained that her use of the term genocide was a serious decision made with great consideration.

While she has previously been cautious about labeling Israel's treatment of Palestinians as genocide, Ocasio-Cortez has now taken a firm stance due to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This shift in her approach is in response to the severity of the situation, as she emphasized in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union."

"At this very moment, 1.1 million innocent people in Gaza are on the brink of famine," stated Ocasio-Cortez during her speech on Friday. She pointed out that this famine is deliberately being caused by the Israeli government blocking food and humanitarian aid.

She went on to say, "If you want to see what a genocide in progress looks like, just open your eyes."

Since the Israel-Hamas war started, over 32,000 individuals in the coastal enclave have lost their lives, as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health.

It is distressing to note that all 2.2 million residents in Gaza are facing food scarcity, with half of them at risk of starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned that famine could hit the region as early as mid-March to May 2024.

"What we're witnessing with this forced famine is something we can't ignore or justify," Ocasio-Cortez told Tapper. "There is no justification for causing a mass famine affecting a million people, half of whom are children."

Her remarks come as the Biden administration is taking a tougher stance before important meetings this week with US and Israeli officials.

Vice President Kamala Harris warned that the US could consider consequences for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if they proceed with a military offensive in Rafah. She emphasized that such a decision would be a mistake, especially considering the crowded tent city where over a million people reside.

Harris highlighted that the US has conveyed this message clearly in various discussions, stressing that any significant military action in Rafah would have serious repercussions. She mentioned that upon studying the maps, it is evident that there is no alternative place for the residents to seek refuge.

Harris’ remarks come as national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are set to meet at the White House on Monday. They are expected to focus on efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and the urgent need for more humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza.

Based on recent negotiations, Israel has agreed to a US proposal regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. The delegations are now awaiting a response from Hamas, as reported by CNN analyst Barak Ravid on Saturday.

A diplomatic source informed CNN that the information is accurate, but there are still unresolved issues such as the entry of aid and "Israeli military repositioning" in Gaza.

According to a White House official, the meeting between Sullivan and Gallant is separate from the previously scheduled visit between Israeli and US officials. They are expected to discuss alternatives to a ground offensive in Rafah during this week's meeting.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her disagreement with the Israeli government's decision to restrict the flow of food and aid until Hamas releases the hostages and disarms. She emphasized the severity of the situation, referring to it as a potential famine. She believes that the actions of Hamas should not determine whether a 3-year-old child can have enough food to eat. She argued that the actions of Hamas should not result in hundreds of thousands of people being forced to eat grass as their bodies deteriorate. Ocasio-Cortez stated that while it is important to address the threat posed by Hamas, it is unjustifiable to subject millions of innocent Palestinians to collective punishment.

CNN’s Becky Anderson contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's condemnation of Israel's actions as genocide. Ocasio-Cortez's shift in stance is due to the severity of the situation, including the deliberate blocking of food and humanitarian aid, which has put 1.1 million people on the brink of famine. The article also discusses the Biden administration's warning to Israel against a military offensive in Rafah, due to the potential for significant civilian casualties.

This situation is deeply concerning as it raises questions about the ethics of collective punishment and the use of food as a weapon of war. It is crucial that humanitarian aid is allowed to reach those in need, regardless of political or military considerations. The international community must act to ensure the protection of civilians and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.. However, the unresolved issues surrounding aid entry and Israeli military movements in Gaza indicate the challenges that lie ahead. It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the well-being of civilians and work towards a just and sustainable solution to the conflict.