Omar Demands 'Accountability for Every War Crime' after Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire
'We need to stop underwriting crimes against humanity'
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Progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar said that the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was not enough and insisted on "accountability for every war crime committed."
Omar also accused the United States of supporting those alleged war crimes.
"We should all be grateful that a ceasefire will prevent more civilians and children from being killed," Omar, D-Minn., tweeted.
"But now what? We need accountability for every war crime committed. And we need to stop underwriting crimes against humanity while doing nothing to end the occupation."
We should all be grateful that a ceasefire will prevent more civilians and children from being killed.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 21, 2021
But now what? We need accountability for every war crime committed. And we need to stop underwriting crimes against humanity while doing nothing to end the occupation.
The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was brokered by neighboring Egypt.
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The reaction from various liberal "Squad" members was unsurprisingly directed at Israel.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., launched an attack on the Jewish nation and called on the U.S. to potentially withdraw its foreign aid.
"A ceasefire is necessary, but will not alone achieve freedom, justice, and equality for all who live under Israel's apartheid government," she said.
"The U.S. must condition funding to uphold human rights, and end the funding entirely if those conditions are not met."
A ceasefire is necessary, but will not alone achieve freedom, justice, and equality for all who live under Israel's apartheid government.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) May 20, 2021
The U.S. must condition funding to uphold human rights, and end the funding entirely if those conditions are not met. https://t.co/HOHzwiLJ8a
Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota echoed Tlaib:
"A ceasefire temporarily halts Hamas rockets and Israeli missile strikes, but this isn’t peace," she said.
"@POTUS: The Palestinian people deserve rights and freedom, not the daily repression of Israel’s ongoing military occupation."
Biden recently attempted to claim credit for the ceasefire.
"Over the last 11 days, I spoke with the prime minister six times. I've also spoken with President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority more the once and part of our intense diplomatic engagement," Biden said.
"And I want to also thank secretary of state, the secretary of defense, our national security adviser, and everyone on our team for their incredible efforts to bring this about, this outcome that we're about to see."
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Pelosi said in a statement:
"The announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is welcome news, and we thank the Biden Administration for its extensive engagement and diplomacy."
"America remains committed to supporting the security of Israel, our friend, and ally. We believe it is critical for the security of Israel for Israelis and Palestinians to both be able to live in peace."
She added:
"Now, with this essential ceasefire, it is incumbent upon leaders in the region to respect Israeli and Palestinian lives and strive for a lasting peace."
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, also had placatory comments.
"A ceasefire is welcome news," Castro said.
"More than 200 civilians were killed, including children, thousands are displaced in Gaza, and millions of Israelis and Palestinians are trapped in conflict. Now we need to see meaningful movement toward a two-state solution."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he hoped the cease-fire would result in peace.
"After 11 days of unrest, I am praying Israel's call for a ceasefire will help bring peace to the region," he tweeted.
After 11 days of unrest, I am praying Israel's call for a ceasefire will help bring peace to the region.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) May 20, 2021
Earlier this week, the “Squad” sought to block the United States from selling arms to Israel despite it facing terror attacks from Hamas.
A new resolution has been introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashid Tlaib (D-MI), and several other progressive Democrats lawmakers to stop the arms sale on Wednesday.
The measure is co-sponsored by Democrat Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN), Ayanna Pressley (MA), Cori Bush (MO), and Pramila Jayapal (WA).
