Tlaib leads Democratic push for resolution classifying Israel’s Gaza campaign as genocide

The proposal says anyone found aiding such acts should face investigation, prosecution, or sanctions.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A group of 20 House Democrats led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution on Friday calling for the United States to formally declare that Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023 amount to genocide, and to halt the transfer of American defense equipment to Jerusalem.

Those joining included Reps. Ro Khanna, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar. More than 100 organizations — among them American Muslims for Palestine, Amnesty International USA, Code Pink, CAIR, and The Hind Rajab Foundation — endorsed the initiative.

The proposal cites a lengthy list of accusations against Israel, asserting that its forces deliberately struck civilians and civilian sites and blocked crucial aid.

The text outlines sweeping changes to US policy, directing Washington to stop providing weapons to Israel and to ensure that individuals or companies subject to American jurisdiction are not participating in what the sponsors describe as a campaign of mass atrocities.

The proposal says anyone found aiding such acts should face investigation, prosecution, or sanctions.

Supporters of the measure said the United States should also shift its posture in international bodies. If adopted, the resolution would commit Washington to cooperating with the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor and to lifting existing sanctions on ICC personnel.

It further instructs US diplomats to use the country’s vote at the United Nations to press for action against those accused of committing or assisting the alleged crimes.

The legislation also calls for restoring US funding to UNRWA in order to address humanitarian needs in Gaza. The US had cut funding to UNRWA, given proven ties to Hamas.

Tlaib said in a written statement that the situation remained dire despite the Israel-Hamas ceasefire reached on October 10. “Impunity only enables more atrocity,” she said, adding that American weapons were contributing to Palestinian suffering. She argued that the United States must adhere to its obligations under the Genocide Convention, pursue individual accountability, and impose sanctions where necessary.

“We must stop sending weapons to a genocidal military,” she said. “We must follow international law and use all means available to bring this genocide to an end.”