Rashida Tlaib calls on US politicians to recognise 'Palestinian humanity'
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib slammed the administration of President Joe Biden's handling of the crisis in the Palestinian territories and Israel, urging US politicians to recognise Palestinians' humanity.
Draped with a keffiyeh and often holding back tears, Tlaib delivered an impassioned speech in defence of Palestinian rights on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday.
"There has been absolutely no recognition of Palestinian humanity," Tlaib said. "If our own State Department can't even bring itself to acknowledge the killing of Palestinian children is wrong. Well, I will say it for the millions of Americans who stand with me against the killing of innocent children, no matter their ethnicity, or faith."
The administration has expressed sympathy for all victims but failed to condemn Israeli air strikes against Palestinian civilians and civilian infrastructure, including residential towers.
The State Department, Pentagon and White House have all repeatedly voiced support for what they call "Israel's right to defend itself."
Earlier in the week, State Department spokesperson Ned Price struggled to answer a question on whether Palestinians, too, have a right to self-defence.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the same message in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Benny Gantz, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
"Secretary Austin conveyed the Department’s ironclad support for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, and he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorist groups that targeted Israeli civilians," Austin said.
In her speech, Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, criticised Austin along with President Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken.
"To read the statements from President Biden, Secretary Blinken, General Austin and leaders of both parties, you'd hardly know Palestinians existed at all."