In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman has issued a call for the United States to “welcome” Palestinian refugees. With the Gaza Strip seeing an exodus of over 400,000 people and experts predicting that a million will need new homes, the Democratic representative believes that America should step up and offer a safe haven for those displaced by the violence.
Bowman, a member of the progressive “Squad” in the House, spoke to the New York Post on Saturday, stating that “the international community as well as the United States should be prepared to welcome refugees from Palestine while being very careful to vet and not allow members of Hamas.” As Israel continues to launch a deadly response to attacks from Hamas, thousands of innocent civilians are being forced to flee their homes. Sadly, despite being given a 24-hour warning, many have been trapped and killed in the bombings.
The United Nations has reported that over 2,200 Palestinians have been killed, including over 700 children, and more than 8,700 have been injured in the conflict. Mariana Dahan, founder of the World Identity Network Foundation, estimates that the ongoing violence may result in an additional one million Palestinians becoming refugees on top of the already staggering six million worldwide.
According to the State Department, the U.S. has already taken in 25,465 refugees from all over the world in 2022, with plans to resettle up to 125,000 in fiscal year 2023. However, Bowman believes that the U.S. should make an exception for Palestinian refugees and provide them with a safe place to start anew. He also suggested that Egypt, who has closed its borders to fleeing Palestinians, should reconsider and welcome refugees as well.
These 13 Democrats are the only Members of Congress not co-sponsoring the bi-partisan #StandWithIsrael resolution:
Jamaal Bowman
Cori Bush
André Carson
Al Green
Summer Lee
Gwen Moore
AOC
Ilhan Omar
Ayanna Pressley
Delia Ramirez
Melanie Stansbury
Bennie Thompson
Rashida Tlaib https://t.co/iwBPTEM1NX— RRH Elections (@RRHElections) October 13, 2023
Not all lawmakers are in agreement with Bowman’s proposal, with Republicans arguing that bringing in additional refugees would be a step backward in the ongoing global security crisis. In a statement to the Post, Florida Senator Marco Rubio stated that “we are in no position to accept additional refugees, especially from a region with as high a risk of terrorism.” Fellow Florida Senator Rick Scott echoed similar concerns, stating that America’s focus should be on rescuing American hostages and supporting Israel in its fight against Hamas. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas also weighed in, arguing that Iran, the main backer of Hamas, should be held responsible for the refugees caused by their actions.
The White House has yet to take a stance on accepting refugees from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, instead pointing to the ongoing support provided to Palestinian refugees through the U.N. refugee program. As discussions and debates surrounding the conflict continue, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will ultimately decide to welcome Palestinian refugees and provide them with a new home. In the meantime, the world watches as the tragic events in Israel and Gaza unfold, and innocent lives are lost or permanently uprooted.
