WASHINGTON − Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has become the first Republican lawmaker to label the crisis in Gaza a “genocide,” diverging sharply from the position held by much of her party since the war began.
“It’s the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7th in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned,” Greene posted on X, “but so is the genocide, humanitarian crisis, and starvation happening in Gaza.”
Greene’s remarks stand out in a Republican caucus that has consistently aligned itself with Israel following the October 2023 Hamas attack, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 people taken hostage.
Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, defending its military actions as targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure.
In response to growing concerns, the Israeli military recently announced it would implement daily pauses in operations in parts of Gaza to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries. While aid access has resumed in limited form since May—after a full cutoff in March—restrictions remain tight, and reports of widespread hunger continue to emerge.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 125 people, including 85 children, have died from malnutrition. Among them was 5-month-old Zainab Abu Haleeb, who died at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on July 26.
The United Nations reports that over 800 people have been killed in recent weeks while attempting to access food, with most deaths attributed to shootings by Israeli forces near controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites.
Greene expanded on her position in another weekend post, stating: “I can unequivocally say that what happened to innocent people in Israel on Oct 7th was horrific. Just as I can unequivocally say that what has been happening to innocent people and children in Gaza is horrific.”
“This war and humanitarian crisis must end!” she added.
Her comments on July 28 followed a pointed exchange with fellow Republican Rep. Randy Fine, a recent appointee who filled the seat vacated by former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Fine, who is Jewish and a vocal supporter of Israel, has dismissed the scale of the crisis in Gaza, repeatedly denying the extent of suffering and even writing in one post, “starve away”.
