US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has taken to Instagram to condemn her colleagues who engage with what she describes as a “genocidal maniac.” Tlaib’s strong language is directed at a political figure, and she asserts that any member of Congress meeting with this individual is essentially endorsing a war criminal. She emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “We will never forget.”
This statement comes in the midst of growing criticism aimed at President Joe Biden and his administration for their unwavering support of Israel in the wake of its military actions in the Gaza Strip that commenced on October 7. Tensions have escalated, and the criticism has intensified as the conflict has resulted in a high toll on Palestinian lives. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports a staggering toll of 21,507 Palestinians killed and 55,915 wounded since the start of what Tlaib terms “Israel’s ongoing genocide” in Gaza.
Of significant concern is the assertion, supported by Palestinian and international estimates, that a majority of those affected by the conflict are women and children. In November, Tlaib faced censure from the House of Representatives for a video she shared on November 3, accusing President Biden of supporting what she called the “genocide of the Palestinian people.” In the video, she called for a ceasefire and issued a warning to Biden regarding support in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The controversial video, which featured the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” led to a resolution to censure Tlaib. Introduced by Republican Rich McCormick, the resolution was passed with a vote of 234-188, garnering the support of 22 Democrats who joined Republicans in rebuking Tlaib. The resolution specifically accused Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American member of Congress, of spreading “false narratives” regarding the military operation that commenced on October 7.