Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticises Biden over support for Israel
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most prominent progressive lawmakers in the United States, has criticised President Joe Biden for his support for what he calls "Israel's right to defend itself".
"Blanket statements like these w/ little context or acknowledgement of what precipitated this cycle of violence - namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al Aqsa - dehumanize Palestinians & imply the US will look the other way at human rights violations. It’s wrong," Ocasio-Cortez said in a series of tweets.
"By only stepping in to name Hamas’ actions - which are condemnable - & refusing to acknowledge the rights of Palestinians, Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence. This is not neutral language. It takes a side - the side of occupation."
Earlier in the day, Ocasio-Cortez signed a letter calling on the US administration to "apply pressure" on Israel to halt the campaign of displacement and home demolitions against Palestinians in Jerusalem. Read more about the letter here.