10 October 2023; MEMO: A US congresswoman has called for an end to Washington’s financial support for Israel amid the ongoing war on the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. Cori Bush pointed out that violations of human rights should not be used to justify further violations, and military responses would only intensify the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Our ultimate focus must be on a just and lasting peace that ensures safety for everyone in the region,” added Bush. “As part of achieving a just and lasting peace, we must do our part to stop this violence and trauma by ending US government support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid.”
America’s first Palestinian American Muslim woman elected to Congress, Democrat Representative Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, has also called for an end to US support for Israel. Tlaib’s statement highlighted the importance of lifting the blockade, ending the occupation and dismantling apartheid.
READ: US Congresswoman Tlaib slams US ‘funding’ for Israel’s apartheid policies
These calls followed President Joe Biden’s statement affirming US support for Israel’s purported right to self-defence after a surprise attack by Hamas. “I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” said Biden at the weekend.
He added that his administration’s support for Israel is “rock solid” and pledged to “remain in close touch” with Netanyahu and have his staff closely track the situation.
As the occupying state, Israel has no legal right to claim self-defence against the people living under its occupation. The Palestinians as the occupied people, however, have a legitimate right to resist the Israeli occupation.
