On Friday, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan accused President Joe Biden of supporting what she termed as a Palestinian “genocide,” igniting a fierce political debate over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, criticized Biden’s stance and warned of potential repercussions during his reelection bid next year.
Tlaib’s accusations came through a video posted on X, where she passionately urged President Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, a move the president and his administration have refrained from making so far.
“Mr. President, the American people are not with you on this one,” Tlaib declared in the video. “We will remember in 2024.”
The video, accompanied by footage of widespread protests echoing slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea” across states like Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New York, concluded with stark messages: “Joe Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people,” “The American people won’t forget,” “Biden, support the ceasefire now,” and “Or don’t count on us in 2024.”
A vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, Tlaib has been a prominent critic of Israel since her election in 2018, often clashing with colleagues who aim for a united front amid the Israel-Hamas war.
While Tlaib did not directly condemn Hamas for their cross-border raids from Gaza on October 7, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives and the taking of hundreds of hostages, she expressed her sorrow for the lives lost on both sides. In her statement, she emphasized her commitment to a future where peace prevails, advocating for equal rights, freedom, and human dignity, and called for an end to the blockade, occupation, and apartheid system.
Both Tlaib’s office and the White House have been approached for comments, but no responses have been received thus far.
The ongoing conflict has led to international discussions about the definition of “genocide.” The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, established after World War II, defines it as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.” Notably, President Biden previously referred to Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “genocide” last year, a statement that did not lead to immediate policy changes.
Despite widespread calls, President Biden has resisted pressure for a Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing the need for “humanitarian pauses” to facilitate hostage releases. He has supported Israel’s right to defend its citizens from terrorism without publicly criticizing Israel’s offensive strategy.
Recently, Tlaib faced a censure resolution from the GOP due to her criticisms of Israel and her support for Palestinians. The House ultimately tabled the resolution, introduced by GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, citing a protest on October 18 in the rotunda of the Cannon House office building. Tlaib, however, was not present at the Cannon building protest, though she did speak at a rally supporting a ceasefire outside the Capitol on the same day.
Responding to the censure resolution, Tlaib defended her stance, stating, “I will continue to call for a ceasefire, for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, for the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and for every American to be brought home.”
