Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Cutting Off Aid to Israel Over U.S. Veto of UN Ceasefire Resolution

The recent veto of a United Nations ceasefire resolution by the United States has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters, particularly from progressive Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). During a town hall meeting on February 22, 2024, AOC expressed her outrage over the U.S. decision to veto the resolution and called for limiting or even cutting off aid to Israel.

The United Nations ceasefire resolution, which had the support of thirteen countries and the abstention of the United Kingdom, aimed to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The U.S. argued that the resolution could have adverse effects on ongoing negotiations to free Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

AOC’s comments came in response to a constituent’s question about the U.S. veto of the resolution. She described the veto as “completely wrong” and an “outrage,” and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of showing “no regard for human life in Gaza.” She went on to suggest that not only should the U.S. advocate for a ceasefire, but that it should also condition aid to Israel or even cut it off.

The issue of Israel and the U.S.’s relationship with its Middle Eastern ally has become a contentious one within the Democratic Party, with younger leftists calling for a shift in diplomatic ties over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. AOC has been among the most vocal of these progressives, advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and criticizing Israeli actions against Palestinians.

Her comments were met with applause from the audience, reflecting the growing sentiment among some Democrats that the U.S. should take a more critical stance towards Israel. However, her position has also drawn criticism from American Jewish groups and moderates within her own party.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported that over 29,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s response to the invasion, a figure that includes both fighters and civilians. Progressives have been critical of the Biden administration’s continued support for Israel and have even inspired waves of Muslim Americans to campaign against his re-election.

President Biden himself has pressed for restraint, but his left wing has argued that it is not far enough. Ocasio-Cortez, for example, has called for the U.S. to “wind down” its support to Israel in order to prevent additional loss of life. She has also accused Israel of engaging in ethnic cleansing against Palestinians and invoked the language of ethnic cleansing in her criticism of Israeli actions.

The U.S. veto of the United Nations ceasefire resolution for the third time earlier this week has further fueled tensions and debate over the issue. The issue has also driven a wedge within the Democratic Party, with younger leftists calling for a more critical stance towards Israel and a shift in diplomatic ties.

Ocasio-Cortez’s comments came just days after she clashed with the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) over a social media post that mentioned her and several other lawmakers with the caption, “A cease-fire now keeps these rapist monsters armed and in power in Gaza.” She responded by accusing AIPAC of targeting women members of Congress who have survived sexual assault with “horrific rhetoric.”

The controversy over the U.S. veto of the United Nations ceasefire resolution and AOC’s call for cutting off aid to Israel is just the latest chapter in a long-standing and complex issue that has deep roots in Middle Eastern politics and U.S. foreign policy. The debate over Israel and Palestine is likely to continue to be a contentious one, with different perspectives and opinions shaping the discourse and the actions of various actors on the global stage.

In conclusion, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s call for cutting off aid to Israel over the U.S. veto of a United Nations ceasefire resolution is a reflection of the growing sentiment among some Democrats that the U.S. should take a more critical stance towards Israel and its treatment of Palestinians. The issue has deep roots in Middle Eastern politics and U.S. foreign policy and is likely to continue to be a contentious one, with different perspectives and opinions shaping the discourse and the actions of various actors on the global stage. The controversy over the U.S. veto of the United Nations ceasefire resolution and AOC’s call for cutting off aid to Israel is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and a nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics and interests at play.