AOC says US aid used to commit ‘human rights violations’ in Gaza

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday that US military aid to Israel is being used to commit “violations of human rights” in Gaza.

“What we are witnessing is the gross violations of human rights in Gaza. That is being done with US military assistance,” AOC said in response to an appeal from a caller at a tele-town hall meeting.

Ocasio-Cortez was told by the caller that the Biden administration should “defund Israel” for committing a so-called “genocide” and redirect the funds for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, which has been under siege since Hamas launched a terror attack in Israel on Oct. 7. 

AOC expressed sympathy with the caller.

“We are really risking writing a blank check for atrocity,” she responded.

She said billions of dollars in aid to Israel should be tied to human rights and preventing “war crimes.”

The congresswoman, who represents portions of The Bronx and Queens, said the atrocities committed by Hamas are reprehensible, but that doesn’t justify condoning the slaughtering of Gaza residents as Israel moves to clear out the Hamas terrorists.

She previously accused Israel of committing “war crimes” in retaliation against Hamas terrorists in Gaza for its October 7 attacks, killing 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.

“War crimes don’t further constitute and justify war crimes,” she said Monday.

AOC cited estimates that 14,000 to 15,000 Gaza residents have been killed compared to 1,000 to 2,000 Hamas terrorists.

“It’s completely unacceptable …I don’t think the American people want to see our public resources going to fund gross human rights violations,” she said.

She called Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza “unsustainable” and won’t lead to any peaceful or lasting solution with Palestinians.

Israel leadership said it has to protect the country after being the victim of the Oct. 7 sneak attack by Hamas and noted the terrorists hide within the civilian population, including in tunnels in and around public facilities such as hospitals.

Ocasio-Cortez said backing for a cease-fire and linking funding to Israel to human rights are gaining traction in Congress.

She said she has received thousands of calls supporting a cease-fire.

A survey of participants in her tele-town hall found 87% in support of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and 13% opposed.

The temporary cease-fire allowing for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas was a hopeful sign, the congresswoman said.