Tense Exchange Between Rubio and Activist
Republican Senator Marco Rubio (FL) has recently had a confrontation with far-left activist and Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin in a hallway of a Washington, D.C. building. Benjamin was filming an ambush interview with Rubio, asking him if he would call for a ceasefire in Gaza, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio's response was firm and unapologetic. "No I will not," he stated, demanding that the activists film the exchange. He further stated, "I want them to destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on...Hamas is a hundred percent to blame," he affirmed, clearly taking a strong stance in support of Israel.
This statement came in response to Benjamin's assertion that innocent civilians are being killed every day in Gaza, citing numbers from Hamas' Gaza Ministry of Health. However, Rubio was quick to point out the history of Hamas' deception and manipulation of numbers to suit their agenda. He repeatedly emphasized that it is Hamas' actions that have led to the current situation and that they are responsible for the loss of innocent lives.
The senator's stance on the issue is not surprising, given his strong support for Israel and its right to defend itself. He went on to state that Hamas is hiding behind civilians and using them as shields, which is further evidence of their cruelty and disregard for innocent lives.
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Amazingly said. Well done Senator @marcorubio Nioh Berg ♛ ✡︎ on Twitter / X
— Nioh Berg ♛ ✡︎ (@niohberg ) November 30, 2023
Rubio's response is also consistent with the position of the United States government, which has placed the blame for the ongoing conflict on Hamas. President Biden has stated that Israel has a right to defend itself and that Hamas must stop its rocket attacks on Israeli citizens.
As the exchange came to an end, Rubio again urged the activists to make sure they post the entire conversation, clearly not wanting his words to be taken out of context. This incident highlights the position of many lawmakers who are standing in solidarity with Israel during this difficult time.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for over a week, with airstrikes and rockets being exchanged between the two sides. Israel has stated that its goal is to eradicate Hamas terrorists from Gaza, who have been launching rockets into Israeli territory, causing significant damage and loss of life. On the other hand, Hamas has claimed that it is fighting against Israeli oppression and has been using civilian populations as human shields.
With no signs of a ceasefire in sight, the confrontation between Rubio and Benjamin serves as a reminder of the strong views on both sides of the issue. While Rubio's words may have been confrontational, they reflect the frustration felt by many who support Israel and its right to self-defense.