Rep. Ro Khanna was detained by Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank
2 hours ago
- #US-Israel Relations
- #West Bank Occupation
- #Israeli Settlers
- US Congressman Ro Khanna was detained by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the West Bank, describing it as a firsthand experience of Palestinian occupation realities.
- Settlers with US-made rifles blocked his delegation's van and were supported by IDF soldiers, highlighting a lack of accountability and a toxic culture of oppression.
- Khanna felt powerless during the 90-minute detention, emphasizing the daily struggles of Palestinians under occupation and criticizing US funding of Israeli forces.
- The incident occurred near Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian hamlet abandoned after violent settler raids following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
- Khanna is considering a presidential run, motivated by his trip, and has been a vocal critic of the Gaza war and West Bank occupation within Congress.
- UN reports deem Israeli settlements illegal, with over 700,000 Israelis residing in the West Bank, and note severe economic restrictions and human rights abuses against Palestinians.