Reps. Tlaib, Omar, and Carson Statement on Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan

WASHINGTON—Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and André Carson (D-IN) issued the following statement today on the attacks on Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan:

“We are horrified by the violent assault by Israeli forces on the Al Aqsa mosque, and the continued violent attacks on the Palestinian people during the holy month of Ramadan. More than 300 people were injured in the attack, 200 of whom have been hospitalized.

“Everyone, regardless of their faith, deserves refuge and peace in their places of worship. The same should apply to Palestinians, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Many Muslims were praying Tarawih and Tahajjud in this mosque. For Muslim families, the mosque is like home. Many pray all night during Ramadan.

“This is happening as the Israeli government  plans to move forward with forced evictions in the predominantly Palestinian East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, in direct violation of international law, the Geneva Convention,  and basic human rights.

“Today, the Israeli military launched air strikes into Gaza, killing 20 people, including 9 children, according to Palestinian health officials. And Hamas fired rockets into Israel. We condemn all violence in this conflict – these acts only serve to advance the political goals of the powerful at the expense of the suffering of the people.

“Let us be clear, however: we continue to provide the Israeli government with over $3 billion in military aid every year—with no conditions or accountability for wanton human rights abuses and continuing illegal seizures of Palestinian land.

“For decades, we have paid lip service to a Palestinian state, while land seizures, settlement expansion, and forced displacement continue, making a future home for Palestinians more and more out of reach.

“It is long past time we finally take action to protect Palestinian human rights and save lives.”