An American-born Israeli, Barak Shmuel, strongly asserts that the resilient Israelis will not be defeated by the “savages” of Hamas as the war in Gaza continues following a recent terrorist ambush. Michigan Democrat Representative Rashida Tlaib, a member of the progressive “Squad” of House Democrats, has made claims about Israel that have been contradicted by the country’s military spokesperson. Tlaib accused Israel of bombing a Christian hospital in the Gaza Strip and causing the deaths of 500 Palestinians, including doctors, patients, and children.
Tlaib’s tweet, in which she stated, “Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that,” was promptly debunked by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF spokesperson clarified that the hospital was actually destroyed by a Hamas rocket during their barrage, not by an Israeli missile. The spokesperson further noted that intelligence information indicated that the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, which is linked to Hamas, was responsible for this failed shooting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the hospital bombing, emphasizing that it was the “barbarian terrorists in Gaza” who attacked the hospital, not the IDF. Netanyahu added, “He who brutally murdered our children, also murders his children.”
Tlaib’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. However, her tweet aligns with a report that one of her top fundraisers consistently projects anti-Israel viewpoints on social media. This fundraiser, Rasha Mubarak, a Palestinian-American Muslim activist who owns and manages a Florida-based consulting and advocacy firm called Unbought Power, has been paid by Tlaib’s committee for “fundraising consulting.” Tlaib’s leadership PAC, Rooted in Community Leadership, has also made payments to Mubarak’s company over the past two years.
Mubarak has a history of making critical comments about Israel, including accusations of “ongoing ethnic cleansing.” Following Hamas’ recent attack, Mubarak amplified pro-Palestinian messages on her social media accounts, particularly regarding rallies across the United States. One of the reposted messages called for halting financial support to Israel and ending the “siege in Gaza.”
In response to the hospital bombing, Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota also expressed her concerns, calling it a grave war crime. Omar urged President Biden to push for a ceasefire.
This latest controversy surrounding Tlaib’s claims and her association with a fundraiser who holds anti-Israel viewpoints highlights the ongoing tensions between Democrats and Republicans regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also underscores the need for accurate and reliable information in the midst of a complex and volatile situation.
Digital’s Joe Schoffstall contributed reporting to this article. Houston Keene is a politics writer for Digital. For story tips, contact [email protected] or follow him on Twitter: @HoustonKeene. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
