From Fox News:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday brushed off President Biden’s call for a “significant de-escalation” of the conflict in Gaza, saying he is “determined to continue” the operation against the terrorist organization Hamas – just as Biden is facing pressure from the progressive arm of his own party on the issue.
Biden spoke to Netanyahu early Wednesday, and the White House said the two “had a detailed discussion of the state of events in Gaza, Israel’s progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States.”
“The President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” the White House said in a statement.
But, after a visit to military headquarters hours later, Netanyahu said he “greatly appreciates the support of the American president,” but said Israel will push ahead “to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.”
He added that he is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.”
Israel has been responding to rocket attacks from Hamas with measures of its own, including airstrikes targeting key Hamas military complexes. The state is facing criticism for the reported 200+ Palestinians killed, as well as strikes such as the one on an evacuated media building – although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it was being used by Hamas, with media outlets being used as cover.
Hamas has launched over 3,000 rockets into Israel since the conflict started nine days ago, and the state’s Iron Dome has intercepted and dismantled more than 90%, according to the Israeli military.
The Biden administration has been supportive of Israel so far, giving clear backing of Israel’s right to defend itself and emphasizing that Hamas is a nationally recognized terrorist organization.
Read the full report here.
AOC EXPLODES: Ocasio-Cortez Blasts Biden for Saying Israel Can ‘Defend Itself’ from Rocket Attacks
Controversial Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ripped the Biden administration for stating Israel “has the right to defend itself” Wednesday night, claiming the United States “looks the other way” on human rights violations in the Middle East.
“Blanket statements like these w/ little context or acknowledgement of what precipitated this cycle of violence – namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al Aqsa – dehumanize Palestinians & imply the US will look the other way at human rights violations. It’s wrong,” posted AOC on Twitter.
Blanket statements like these w/ little context or acknowledgement of what precipitated this cycle of violence – namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al Aqsa – dehumanize Palestinians & imply the US will look the other way at human rights violations. It’s wrong. https://t.co/afCgoGdiMG
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 12, 2021
Images leaked on social media Wednesday showing Israeli doctors and parents shielding newborn babies in a fortified section of a local hospital as rockets rained down on cities across the country.
“Israeli hospitals take newborns into special protection area to protect from terrorists rocket fire. Heartbreaking!” posted a reporter from the Jerusalem Post.
Israeli hospitals take newborns into special protection area to protect from terrorists rocket fire.
Heartbreaking! pic.twitter.com/JJzlTlW9LS
— Emily Schrader – אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) May 11, 2021
Violent clashes erupted in cities across the United States this week between pro-Israel and Palestinian groups after 700 rockets were fired into the Jewish State from Gaza and other locations in the Middle East.
“Groups on each side clashed in New York City in front of the Israeli consulate where police officers struggled to keep aggressive demonstrators from attacking each other. Physical fights broke out among some of the activists, videos on social media show,” reports Fox News.
A pro-Palestine protest in Washington DC, USA. pic.twitter.com/8zIw6moCWM
— Observer (@byz_observer) May 11, 2021
This video taken by @CBSNewYork Photographer Alex Susskind moments ago pic.twitter.com/24RVAo06fG
— Jessica Layton (@JLaytonTV) May 11, 2021
Clashes at a rally of supporters of Israel and Palestine in New York. pic.twitter.com/Pz7iFGTvJP
— Observer (@byz_observer) May 11, 2021
“My mother lives on the edge of Gaza,” pro-Israeli protester Sophie Sassoon told WCBS-TV in New York. “She’s in a shelter as we speak … This is war. I will not sit and watch the only democracy in the Middle East be ripped apart.”
“You can see Israeli aggression especially in Northern Jerusalem and Gaza,” attendee Sami Wassef told the outlet. “Houses are being confiscated and families thrown out.”
Read the full report at Fox News.
FLASHBACK: Hamas Reportedly Fires Missiles at Israel from Foreign Press Building in 2009
FLASHBACK: April 1, 2021
The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to release upwards of $100 million in new aid to Palestine as the White House organizes a new push for Middle East peace and renewed negotiations.
“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department have sent notification to Congress of their intent to deliver approximately $125 million in assistance to the Palestinians, according to a congressional source,” reports The Hill.
“The funds were largely appropriated in the 2020 budget, but the Trump administration blocked nearly all aid since it severed ties with the Palestinian Authority in 2018,” adds the website.
JUST IN: Biden admin preparing more than $100 million in aid for Palestinians https://t.co/o76Ti4mLFo pic.twitter.com/aS1PNlFOt8
— The Hill (@thehill) April 1, 2021
“Of course, it is consistent with the interests of the Palestinian people. It’s also consistent with the interests of our partner Israel, and we’ll have more to say on that going forward,” said State Department spokesperson Ned Price.
Read the full report at The Hill.
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