The House is gearing up to assess a resolution condemning President Joe Biden’s recent advocacy for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza following his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The resolution aims to denounce perceived “one-sided pressure” on Israel regarding Gaza and expresses opposition to a recent United Nations Security Council resolution advocating for a ceasefire.
In a statement, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused President Biden of trying to appease “far-left extremists” by pushing for a ceasefire with Hamas terrorists.
Brian Mast (Credits: The Hill)
The resolution, if passed, asserts solidarity with Israel in its defense against what it terms a “barbaric war” by Hamas and affirms Israel’s right to self-defense.
Concerns have been raised by relatives of hostages captured by Hamas, who warn that any ceasefire without their release could have dire consequences. The resolution is expected to go through the House Rules Committee and may highlight divisions among pro-Israel and pro-Palestine Democrats.
President Biden’s recent call with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the need for a temporary ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. He urged Netanyahu to take concrete actions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Israel subsequently announced the opening of three new crossings to facilitate increased aid in Gaza, aiming to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Critics, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Ma.), have voiced concerns about U.S. support for Israel amid the conflict.
Gaza (Credits: Human Rights Watch)
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has filed a motion seeking the recusal of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, citing conflicts of interest due to the judge’s daughter’s ties to Democratic causes.
The motion alleges that Justice Merchan’s daughter, Loren Merchan, benefits financially from her association with Authentic Campaigns, a firm whose clients include Democratic candidates.
This is not the first time Trump has sought Justice Merchan’s recusal; the judge rejected a similar motion filed last year. The Manhattan District Attorney has charged Trump with falsifying business records in connection to hush money payments made to suppress unfavorable news stories during the 2016 elections.
The resolution condemning Biden’s ceasefire advocacy and the motion for Justice Merchan’s recusal highlight ongoing political and legal battles amid complex geopolitical tensions.
