In the last 24 hours, Israel has been the victim of a massive terrorist attack. Hamas sent militant forces to kidnap and murder Israeli civilians and soldiers. Videos circulating on social media have shown the nature of the attack that, in addition to the ground raid, also included an aerial assault with thousands of missiles hitting Israel’s main cities.
Despite Hamas’ violent aggression, which has been widely condemned by the international community and leading U.S. officials and political figures, members of The Squad, with the exception of Representative Ayanna Pressley, waited hours to speak out on the terrorist attack against Israel, prompting hasty criticism on social media.
“The Squad usually lives on social media, rushing to judgment on every piece of news. Are they at brunch?” wrote Daily Wire editor and researcher Brent Scher.
The Squad usually lives on social media, rushing to judgment on every piece of news.
Are they at brunch?
— Brent Scher (@BrentScher) October 7, 2023
“None of the War Pigs in the ‘squad’ have said one word about Israel. Pretty remarkable from a bunch of useless women who live their entire lives online,” criticized author Chadwick Moore.
None of the War Pigs in the “squad” have said one word about Israel. Pretty remarkable from a bunch of useless women who live their entire lives online.
— Chadwick Moore (@Chadwick_Moore) October 7, 2023
“Probably shouldn’t be surprised, but I couldn’t find a single comment about the ongoing attack on Israel from any member of the Squad on either official or campaign accounts. Pretty pathetic,” said Peter Meijer, an Iraq veteran and former member of the House of Representatives.
Probably shouldn’t be surprised, but I couldn’t find a single comment about the ongoing attack on Israel from any member of the Squad on either official or campaign accounts. Pretty pathetic.
— Peter Meijer (@RepMeijer) October 7, 2023
Congresswoman Pressley was the first to speak out on the situation, calling for ending the violence, but without directly mentioning Hamas.
“These devastating attacks on Israelis are deeply alarming and my heart breaks for the victims & their loved ones. We need an immediate ceasefire & de-escalation,” wrote Pressley, who also avoided using the word “terrorist” in reference to the attacks.
“It is long past time to stop this cycle of violence & trauma, and work toward a just & lasting peace in the region,” she added.
These devastating attacks on Israelis are deeply alarming and my heart breaks for the victims & their loved ones.
We need an immediate ceasefire & de-escalation.
It is long past time to stop this cycle of violence & trauma, and work toward a just & lasting peace in the region. https://t.co/mPUukLKYg6
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) October 7, 2023
While at the time of publishing this article, some Squad members had not spoken out about the attacks on Israel, they finally did a few hours after publication.
“I condemn the horrific acts we are seeing unfold today in Israel against children, women, the elderly, and the unarmed people who are being slaughtered and taken hostage by Hamas,” wrote Rep. Ilhan Omar. “Such senseless violence will only repeat the back-and-forth cycle we’ve seen, which we cannot allow to continue. We need to call for de-escalation and ceasefire. I will keep advocating for peace and justice throughout the Middle East.”
In addition, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez also released a statement condemning the violence in Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.
“Today is devastating for all those seeking a lasting peace and respect for human rights in Israel and Palestine. I condemn Hamas’ attack in the strongest possible terms. No child and family should ever endure this kind of violence and fear, and this violence will not solve the ongoing oppression and occupation in the region. An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives,” said the Congresswoman.
