Politics /

Rashida Tlaib, Other Squad Members Release Statements On Israel Attack By Hamas

Tlaib: 'As Long As Our Country Provides Billions In Unconditional Funding To Support The Apartheid Government, This Heartbreaking Cycle Of Violence Will Continue'

Published: October 09, 2023
  |   By Christopher Bertman

Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib released a statement on the attacks by Islamist militant group Hamas on Israel over the weekend.

“I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today, and every day,” Tlaib wrote in a Sunday statement. “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 called for “lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system” and claimed Israel creates “suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance.”

“The failure to recognize the violent reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid makes no one safer,” she continued. “No person, no child anywhere should have to suffer or live in fear of violence. We cannot ignore the humanity in each other. As long as our country provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue.”

Critics of the Michigan representative have suggested Tlaib, along with other House Democrats in “The Squad,” should be referred to as the “Hamas Caucus” after their previous outspoken support for the militant group.

There are currently eight members of The Squad, including Tlaib, New York Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley, Missouri Representative Cori Bush, Texas Representative Greg Casar, and Pennsylvania Representative Summer Lee.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel, members of The Squad called for a “ceasefire” in Israel.

In a Saturday X post, Omar said, “Reminder, Gaza doesn’t have shelters or an iron dome and to please pray for them.”

“May peace prevail in the region and move us towards a moral awakening to care about the human suffering we are seeing,” she continued. “Palestinians are human beings who have been in besieged and are deserving of protection from the international community.”

Bush also released a statement condemning the attack, though called for ceasefire on Saturday.

“I am heartbroken by the ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel, and I mourn the over 250 Israeli and 230 Palestinian lives that have been lost today, and the thousands injured, following attacks by Hamas militants on Israeli border towns and Israeli military bombardment of Gaza,” the Missouri representative wrote. “I strongly condemn the targeting of civilians and I urge an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.”

Bush said saving lives is an immediate focus, though said the ultimate goal is ensuring “lasting peace” and “safety for everyone in the region.”

“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,” she said.

Bush also took aim at U.S. involvement in Israel.

“As part of achieving a just and lasting peace, we must do our part to stop this violence and trauma by ending U.S. government support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid,” she said. “I am continuing to closely monitor the situation and my Office is ready to support residents of the First District with family members and loved ones in the region.”

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