Ocasio-Cortez stands by allegations of Israel engaging in genocide during floor speech

In a powerful and bold statement, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended her accusation against Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian people. She emphasized the urgent need for cuts to U.

S. military aid until humanitarian relief is freely accessible in Gaza. This decision to use the term genocide was not taken lightly, as Ocasio-Cortez expressed that it was made with extraordinary gravity.

While Ocasio-Cortez has been vocal in condemning the violence in Gaza during Israel's war against Hamas, she has typically been cautious about labeling Israel's treatment of Palestinians as genocide. This caution aligns with her tendency to use more conciliatory rhetoric towards Israel compared to some of her ideological allies. However, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza has pushed Ocasio-Cortez to speak out more forcefully on the issue.

During a speech in the House chamber on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where 1.1 million innocent people are on the brink of famine. She blamed the Israeli government for intentionally precipitating this famine by blocking food and humanitarian assistance.

Ocasio-Cortez's impassioned plea urged people to open their eyes to the unfolding genocide in Gaza, where over 32,000 individuals have lost their lives since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The situation in Gaza is dire, with all 2.2 million residents facing food insecurity.

Half of the population is on the verge of starvation, and famine is projected to hit the region in the near future. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that the forced famine in Gaza is undeniable and inexcusable, especially when it impacts innocent children. As Ocasio-Cortez continues to speak out on this issue, the Biden administration is also taking a firm stance.

Vice President Kamala Harris warned against any major military operation in Rafah, where a significant number of people are living in challenging conditions. Harris emphasized that such actions would be a mistake and reiterated the U.S.

's commitment to seeking the release of hostages held by Hamas and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Negotiations between Israel and the U.S.

are ongoing, with efforts focused on securing the release of hostages and ensuring the delivery of aid to Gaza. While progress has been made, key issues remain unresolved, including the entry of aid and Israeli military actions in Gaza. The upcoming meeting between national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant aims to address these issues and explore alternatives to a potential ground offensive in Rafah.

Ocasio-Cortez reiterated her disagreement with the Israeli government's approach of restricting food and aid until certain conditions are met by Hamas. She stressed that the actions of Hamas should not be used as a justification for denying innocent Palestinians access to essential resources. Ocasio-Cortez's unwavering stance on the situation in Gaza reflects her commitment to advocating for justice and humanitarian relief for all those affected by the conflict.

As the international community grapples with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, voices like Ocasio-Cortez's are crucial in bringing attention to the plight of the Palestinian people and pushing for meaningful action to address their needs. It is a reminder that in times of crisis, it is imperative to stand up for the most vulnerable and demand accountability from those in power.