(RepublicanJournal.org) – A Republican representative recently gave a controversial statement about the innocence of Palestinian bystanders in Israel’s battle against Hamas. He pointed to the idea that there were few “innocent Nazi civilians” during World War II (WWII), insisting that people need to think twice before assuming anyone, even children, are innocent victims in this current conflict.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) doesn’t think anyone living in Gaza is innocent, literally comparing Palestinians to the Nazis of WWII Germany. He states that Palestinian children are indoctrinated in school to hate Israelis, so even they are a threat. The Florida representative doesn’t believe he’s exaggerating the issue, arguing that he hasn’t seen any video evidence of Palestinian bystanders doing anything to help the Israeli effort.
Mast, along with New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), introduced HR 340: Hamas International Financing Prevention Act in the hopes of keeping humanitarian aid out of the hands of terrorists. The bill proposes sanctions against Hamas and affiliated groups, restricting aid to anyone who assists, in any way, radicalized Islamic organizations. The text allows for exemptions in cases where the president signs a waiver and relief efforts don’t compromise US security interests.
The move may have been in response to President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that the US would be offering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. The briefing states that civilians aren’t responsible for the horrific acts Hamas has imposed on Israel, adding that the Palestinian bystanders also need protection and assistance. The White House plans to spend $100 million on the humanitarian effort.
Arabs and Israelis have been fighting over territory ever since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Palestinians were forced to flee to what is now Gaza, where Egypt ruled in the 1950s and 1960s. Its reign ended when Israel seized the small, coastal strip of land in 1967. Conflicts continued, coming to a head in 1987, when Hamas first emerged, and the region has since struggled to find stability.
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