US Lawmaker Criticizes Biden's Gaza Policy
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna sharply criticized President Joe Biden's approach to the Gaza conflict, calling for a fundamental change in US policy toward Israel and Palestine.
Khanna's Critique of Biden
"We have to start with the truth. President Biden mishandled Gaza. We should never have given a blank check."
Khanna condemned the approval of $14 billion in aid to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that only 37 Democrats opposed it. He argued this opposition should have been unanimous within the Democratic caucus.
Comparison to Iraq War
"Those who voted for that aid made as much of a blunder as those who supported the war in Iraq."
Call to Stop Arms Sales
Urging Congress to suspend weapons sales to Israel, Khanna advocated for support of the "No Bombs Act," championed by Illinois Representative Delia Ramirez, which targets the most devastating arms used in Gaza.
This act demands an immediate halt to US arms transfers to Israel amid accusations of genocide in the enclave.
Recognition of International Law and Palestinian Statehood
"We need to say that we will recognize what the UN, what the ICJ (International Court of Justice) is, recognizing that what happened, there was a genocide."
Khanna emphasized the need for the United States to join over 150 countries in recognizing Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
"We need to say very clearly that the United States should follow 150 other countries and recognize Palestinian self-determination and a Palestinian state with a secure Israel."
Author’s Summary
Ro Khanna urges a clear break from current US policy, condemning Biden’s Gaza stance and calling for stopping arms sales to Israel while recognizing Palestinian statehood and international law.