Ocasio-Cortez may now think her own Squad is now too radical.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, along with other elected Democrats, has distanced themselves from the events that occurred at a pro-Palestinian demonstration organized by the NYC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
According to Fox, on Sunday, a protest in New York City, led by the DSA, a group with several members in the U.S. House of Representatives, including members known as “the Squad,” unfolded in Times Square. The demonstration later moved down 42nd Street towards Bryant Park, which is in proximity to the Israeli Consulate.
The DSA attributed the events to Israel, posting on social media: “Today’s events are a direct result of Israel’s policies – policies that receive substantial funding from the United States.”
Protesters at the rally burned and desecrated an Israeli flag, taunted supporters of Israel with a symbol, and displayed signs bearing messages like “Palestinian return by any means necessary,” “Israeli policies & violence supported by the U.S.,” and “End all U.S. assistance to Israel!”
In her initial statement about the rally, Ocasio-Cortez, who is a member of the DSA, expressed, “It should not be difficult to combat hatred and discrimination when we encounter it. That is a fundamental principle of solidarity.”
She added, “The prejudice and insensitivity witnessed in Times Square on Sunday were unacceptable and detrimental during this difficult time. It did not represent the views of the thousands of New Yorkers who can condemn both the distressing attacks by Hamas against innocent civilians and the significant injustices and violence faced by Palestinians under occupation.”
New York State Representative Zohran Mamdani, who received support from the DSA during his election and delivered a keynote address at the group’s national convention in August, also criticized the rhetoric at the rally.
Mamdani stated, “My advocacy for the liberation of Palestinians should never be misconstrued as an endorsement of civilian casualties. I condemn the loss of innocent lives and the rhetoric at the rally on Sunday, which seemed to trivialize such tragic losses.”
Before the rally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul denounced the planned gathering as “abhorrent and morally repugnant.”
Hochul expressed, “The people of Israel are enduring violent actions and civilian abductions. I condemn plans for a rally in Times Square in support of the perpetrators of these horrendous acts. The planned rally is repugnant and morally reprehensible.”
During a “Stand with Israel” rally at the Congregation Beth Emeth reform synagogue in Albany on Monday evening, Hochul added, “There will be a just response, but it will be a just response.”
She pledged, “As the governor, I assure you that we will exhaust every effort to ensure your safety when you assemble, because it is your inherent right to practice your beliefs, your religion, and your true identity.”
Recent events involved the launch of numerous projectiles towards Israel by a certain group, leading to an incursion into towns along the Gaza border. This resulted in a significant loss of life, with casualties exceeding 700, which is unprecedented in Israel in many years. Thousands of people were also injured, prompting Israel to declare a state of war against the group with alleged backing from Iran. It was reported that hostages, including young children, were taken by this group.
The conflict’s death toll has now surpassed 1,600, with thousands wounded on both sides. Supporters of the Palestinian cause are urging Israel to cease the loss of civilian lives, as continuous airstrikes have led to the destruction of numerous buildings in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
Many supporters of the Palestinian side have argued that media coverage of the conflict is one-sided and does not adequately highlight their suffering in comparison to their Israeli counterparts.
It was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed President Biden of the necessity for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip following deadly attacks launched by the aforementioned group against Israel.