Rep. Ritchie Torres Critiques Hamas and Defends Israel Amidst Escalating Tensions

Amidst the escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel, Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat representing New York, has publicly denounced Hamas for rejecting the most recent ceasefire proposition with Israel. Torres, noted for his steadfast support of both the US Jewish community and Israel, articulated his perspective on the ongoing conflict, calling out what he perceives as the “hyperbolic and hysterical demonization of Israel.”

Torres’s stance places him at odds with fellow Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike Ocasio-Cortez, Torres identifies as a pro-Israel progressive, unequivocally rejecting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and vehemently opposing any claims that characterize Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide. His position underscores a significant divergence within the Democratic Party’s rank on Middle East policy.

In a notable critique of corporate involvement in political advocacy, Torres also spotlighted Goldman Sachs for their monetary support of an anti-Israel proxy group. He sharply criticized this action, comparing the funded group’s ideologies to those espoused by Nazis, highlighting a grave concern over the rise of anti-Israel sentiment which he views as being masked under the guise of legitimate political critique.