AOC Tries and FAILS to Explain Her Calls for a ‘Ceasefire’ After Hamas Terrorist Attack

PHILLIP: “As all of this kind of kicked off, you and several others of your colleagues released a statement calling on for a ceasefire in the region. But, I wonder, what is Israel supposed to do about Hamas after they’ve murdered, brutalized, abducted over a thousand of their citizens. Are they supposed to just do nothing?”
Ocasio-Cortez: “Well, I think what is important to note about a ceasefire is that it’s not one-sided. Hamas has been sending thousands of rockets into Israel as well. And what is important for us to identify our goal in terms of what safety means, in terms of what defense means. And I think it —“
PHILLIP: “But, if I may, Congresswoman, I think the position from Israel’s perspective is that there is already an attack and Hamas already committed an attack. After that happened, do you really believe that they should not respond to that?”
Ocasio-Cortez: “I think what is important, in terms of response, is Israel does have a right to self-defense. I think what we need to take a look at in this situation is if collective punishment qualifies as defense, if the blockade on water, food, electricity, if the dropping of white phosphorus, which is an indiscriminate weapon, qualifies. So, I do believe that there is a discussion to be had here. I don’t believe that an either/or approach is what is necessary, but we should identify what our goal, is which is the cooling of tensions in the region.”
PHILLIP: “Well, Israel’s goal is to rid the region of Hamas. They have been very clear about that. And I certainly take what you are saying about the condition of Gaza right now for civilians who, as you point out, are not synonymous with Hamas. But for Israel to deal with Hamas, which is a force that is actually detrimental to Palestinians, how else are they supposed to address a violent militant, some say a terrorist group, other than to go in there and take them on directly?”
Ocasio-Cortez: “Well, when we talk about going in there, I think we should also keep in mind President Biden’s statements as well about what the implications of a potential ground invasion would be. This is an inherently complex situation. I do believe that Hamas needs to be dealt with.”
PHILLIP: “But how, I think, is what I’m trying to understand.”
Ocasio-Cortez: “And I think what we’re trying to figure out right now is that this present situation of collective punishment and indiscriminate attack is one approach. But we are seeing that the issues and the complications of that approach now, can we target them in terms of intelligence? Is there precision? What are the options available are entirely up to the administration and for Israel to examine and explore.”