■Rep. Andy Ogles suggested all Palestinians in Gaza should be killed.

■His comments have sparked controversy and calls for censure.

■UNICEF warns of preventable child deaths in Gaza due to conflict.

Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles has sparked controversy with his recent remarks suggesting that all Palestinians in Gaza should be killed. The comments were made in response to an activist who confronted Ogles about the U.S.-backed Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of many children.

The activist stated, “I’ve seen the footage of shredded children’s bodies. That’s my taxpayer dollars that are going to bomb those kids.” Ogles retorted, “You know what? So, I think we should kill ’em all, if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It’s time to pay the piper.”

PRO-PALESTINE ACTIVIST: “I’ve seen of shredded children’s bodies. That’s my tax money bombing those kids.”@AndyOgles:
“I think we should kill em all, if that makes you feel better.”

ACTIVIST: “Do you even have a heart?”

OGLES: “Death to Hamas.”

A disturbing Ogles exchange. pic.twitter.com/Dpnjqzw43n

—
The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) February
21, 2024

Political Backlash

Ogles, a staunch advocate for unconditionally arming Israel, was one of the 212 House Republicans who voted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) in November, falsely accusing her of justifying a Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Following Ogles’ inflammatory comments, Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid questioned whether there would be any congressional resolutions to censure or expel Ogles.

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International Response

The comments came shortly after the Biden administration vetoed a cease-fire resolution at the United Nations Security Council for the third time since Oct. 7. This veto blocked a measure calling for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has warned of an impending surge in preventable child deaths in Gaza due to rapidly spreading malnutrition and disease. Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 12,400 children in Gaza since October 7, and more than 600,000 children are currently trapped in Rafah, which Israeli forces are preparing to invade.

Jason Lee, Save the Children’s country director for the occupied Palestinian territory, expressed his concern, stating, “Children are being failed by the adults who should be protecting them. It’s beyond time for the adults in the room to step up their responsibilities and legal obligations to children caught up in a conflict they played no part in, who just want to be able to live.”

Read more at Common Dreams.