Clinton said that Israel has been "forced" to target civilians in Gaza and implied Israel's historical precedence in the Holy Land, saying Israelis were there "first," sparking criticism from these communities.
While acknowledging the concerns about the violence in Gaza, Clinton argued that Israel has no choice but to cause civilian casualties, even as it faces accusations of genocide in the International Court of Justice. He added that both sides cannot resolve the conflict through violence.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, Israel's actions have reportedly resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children. A UN-backed commission has cited Israeli military actions as "crimes against humanity," including forced starvation and deliberate attacks on civilians, with Palestinian groups also accused of war crimes.
Clinton's remarks, perceived as dismissive of the Palestinian experience, have fueled frustration among Arab and Muslim American leaders. Some feel this stance could further alienate voters from the Democratic Party, especially in Michigan, where recent polls indicate a possible shift of Arab American support toward Republican candidate Donald Trump over Harris.
