Yuksel Serdar Oguz
31 July 2014•Update: 21 February 2017
WASHINGTON D.C.
American Muslim leaders say the U.S. is complicit in Israeli atrocities in Gaza as the White House and the Congress give unconditional support to Israel.
As civilian deaths in the Palestinian territory have risen above 1,000, some American Muslim leaders are calling for the White House to increase pressure on Israel to stop the atrocities.
Osama Abuirshaid, a board member of the Washington-based American Muslims for Palestine, called the U.S. complicit in Israeli killings of civilians.
"Israel cannot wage this war without the consent of the United States and cannot continue this war without United States support," he said.
Nihad Awad, executive director of the Washington-based Council American-Islamic Relations agreed.
"Israel is spoiled by the unconditional and unlimited support of the U.S. administration," Awad said.
The White House has taken a hard line concerning Israel's lethal force against civilians. Secretary of State John Kerry's referral to the Israeli offensive as a "hell pinpoint operation" when TV microphones were left open illustrates the dilemma of the Obama administration concerning the Israeli invasion.
But the House and Senate have backed Israeli actions.
Awad blamed Congress for tailoring to its fund-raising concerns. "We can’t free Gaza unless we free the Congress of the United States from the pro-Israeli lobby," he said.
Mahdi Bray, National Director of the American Muslim Alliance, said the conflict could only stop when Israel lifts its occupation of Palestinian lands.
"A salient factor behind Israel’s aggression is the support that Israel gets from the U.S.," Bray said.
Bray said demonstrations by Muslims around the world would give voice to the people who are suffering.
At least 1,283 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed and more than 7,100 injured since July 7, when Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
According to Israeli figures, 53 Israeli troops and three civilians have been killed.
www.aa.com.tr/en
