Netanyahu Goes to Washington While the Humanitarian Crisis Rages in Gaza and Congress Cheers w/ Abdelhalim Abdelrahman

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

On this edition of Parallax Views, Palestinian Muslim writer
Abdelhalim Abdelrahman, who has written for such publications as The New Arab, The Hill, and MSN, joins the show to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington D.C. to speak to Congress. Netanyahu received a standing ovation from Congressmen and Congresswomen who attended, with the notable exception of Rep. Rashida Tlaib who held up a sign that read "War Criminal". Interestingly, a number of top Democrats declined to intend, including Nancy Pelosi, who called Netanyahu's speech was "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States". Meanwhile protests raged outside and a flag-burning, which has taken up much media attention, took place. Additionally, Gaza still faces a humanitarian crisis. Palestinians in Gaza face a dire situation, as exemplified by the tragic death of a 24-year old Gazan man named Mohammad Bhar. Bhar was afflicted with autism and Down's syndrome. He was killed last week after bleeding out from being bitten by an Israeli army dog as reportedly screamed "enough my dear, enough" and/or "let go my love, enough".

Worth noting as well, is the fact that it was not only pro-Palestinian activists protesting Netanyahu's D.C. visit. Families of hostages also protested, believing that Netanyahu has exploited them for politics and not done enough to secure the hostages from the October 7th. Hamas attack.

In other words, there are a lot of matters to discuss in this conversation. Abdelhalim covered all these issues with me as well as:

- The Palestinian Authority

- The letter Mahmoud Abbas sent to Donald Trump after the attempted assassination on Trump's life and Donald Trump's seemingly warm, positive feelings (at least in past rhetoric and response to the letter) to Abbas

- Elements of the American conservative movement moving away from Israel on "America First" grounds

- Thoughts on whether Kamala Harris will take a different approach to Gaza and the West Bank than President Joe Biden

- Empathetic rhetoric vs. actual concrete policy that Palestinian American want to see

- Abdelhalim's thoughts on the plight of the October 7th hostages

- The Fatah-Hamas unity deal that was signed in Beijing

- Abdelhalim's personal feelings on the Uncommitted movement and his frustration with the Democratic Party

- The Occupation of the West Bank and the issues of annexation and settlement expansion

- The question of "synthetic" or "artificial" Arab voices claiming to be "pro-peace" or "pro-Palestinian" but demonstrating a deep bias against Palestinians

- Hunger and starvation in Israel

- U.S. hypocrisy/double-standards on the situation of Palestinians vs. the situation of Ukrainians; Palestinians who express support for Ukraine and Ukrainians who express support for Palestinians

- Abdelhalim's point of frustration with Nancy Pelosi's criticism of Netanyahu's speech to Congress

And much, much more!