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NEW DELHI: Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic congresswoman from Michigan and the only Palestinian American in the House of Representatives, has been censured by the House over her controversial remarks and actions regarding the Israel-Hamas warthat erupted in October 2023. The censure, which is a formal public rebuke, was approved by a vote of 234 – 188 on Tuesday night, with most Republicans and a few Democrats supporting the measure.The resolution, introduced by Republican Rep Rich McCormick of Georgia, accused Tlaib of “promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel”.
Tlaib, who is a vocal critic of Israel and a supporter of the Palestinian cause, has made several statements and posts on social media that have drawn the ire of her colleagues and Jewish groups. Among the most contentious ones are her use of the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’, which is widely seen as an antisemitic slogan that implies the elimination of Israel, and her accusation that President Joe Biden “supported the genocide of the Palestinian people”. Tlaib also participated in a pro-Palestinian protest outside the Capitol, where she held a sign that read “Stop US Aid to Israel’s Occupation”.
Tlaib defended her comments and actions on the House floor on Tuesday, holding back tears and holding up a picture of her grandmother, who lives in the West Bank. She said that her criticism was directed at the Israeli government and its policies, not the Jewish people, and that she was speaking up for the human rights and dignity of the Palestinians, who have suffered under the Israeli occupation and blockade. She also said that she was not calling for the destruction of Israel, but for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
“I can’t believe I have to say this but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings,” Tlaib said. “Just like my grandmother, like all Palestinians, who just wants to live her life with the freedom and human dignity we all deserve.”
The censure of Tlaib reflects the deepening divide and tension within the House and the Democratic Party over the issue of Israel and Palestine, especially in the aftermath of the latest conflict that killed thousands of people and displaced many more. While some Democrats, especially the progressive wing, have expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Palestinians and called for a more balanced and critical approach to the US-Israel relationship, others have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Israel and its right to defend itself against the Hamas terror attack that targeted its civilians and infrastructure5.
Tlaib, who is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, along with Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, has faced accusations of antisemitism and threats of violence for her views and identity.
Tlaib, who is a vocal critic of Israel and a supporter of the Palestinian cause, has made several statements and posts on social media that have drawn the ire of her colleagues and Jewish groups. Among the most contentious ones are her use of the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’, which is widely seen as an antisemitic slogan that implies the elimination of Israel, and her accusation that President Joe Biden “supported the genocide of the Palestinian people”. Tlaib also participated in a pro-Palestinian protest outside the Capitol, where she held a sign that read “Stop US Aid to Israel’s Occupation”.
Tlaib defended her comments and actions on the House floor on Tuesday, holding back tears and holding up a picture of her grandmother, who lives in the West Bank. She said that her criticism was directed at the Israeli government and its policies, not the Jewish people, and that she was speaking up for the human rights and dignity of the Palestinians, who have suffered under the Israeli occupation and blockade. She also said that she was not calling for the destruction of Israel, but for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
“I can’t believe I have to say this but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings,” Tlaib said. “Just like my grandmother, like all Palestinians, who just wants to live her life with the freedom and human dignity we all deserve.”
The censure of Tlaib reflects the deepening divide and tension within the House and the Democratic Party over the issue of Israel and Palestine, especially in the aftermath of the latest conflict that killed thousands of people and displaced many more. While some Democrats, especially the progressive wing, have expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Palestinians and called for a more balanced and critical approach to the US-Israel relationship, others have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Israel and its right to defend itself against the Hamas terror attack that targeted its civilians and infrastructure5.
Tlaib, who is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, along with Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, has faced accusations of antisemitism and threats of violence for her views and identity.
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