Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a prominent supporter of US President Donald Trump and a vocal figure in the MAGA movement, has become the first member of her party in Congress to describe the situation in the Gaza Strip as a “genocide.” Her comments mark a significant departure from the stance held by the vast majority of Republicans, who have consistently voiced unconditional support for Israel.In a post on X Monday evening, Greene said, “It’s the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7 in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned, but so is the genocide, humanitarian crisis, and starvation happening in Gaza.”Her statement was the strongest in a recent string of increasingly critical remarks about Israel’s conduct in the ongoing war, reflecting a growing concern among some on the right over the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, reported The New York Times.On Sunday, Greene said, “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.”Greene’s remarks were seen as a direct rebuke of fellow Republican Rep Randy Fine of Florida, who has come under fire for his comments regarding the suffering of Palestinians. Fine had referred to images of starving children in Gaza as part of a campaign of “Muslim terror propaganda” and wrote, “Release the hostages… until then, starve away.”Responding to this, Greene in her recent post added, “A Jewish US Representative calling for the continued starvation of innocent people and children is disgraceful. His awful statement will actually cause more antisemitism.Fine, a freshman lawmaker and outspoken advocate for Israel, made the remarks the same day he was appointed to the House foreign affairs committee, a key body that shapes US foreign policy.Fine made his comments before Trump said there was “real starvation” happening in Gaza and made commitments to offer additional support to increase aid.“That’s real starvation stuff- I see it, and you can’t fake that,” Trump said Monday after a series of meetings with European leaders while in Scotland. “We have to get the kids fed.”Greene had already begun to pivot prior to Trump’s comments, joining a small but growing group within the MAGA movement expressing concern over the war’s impact on civilians.Earlier this month, Greene in another statement said, “Israel bombed the Catholic Church in Gaza, and that entire population is being wiped out as they continue their aggressive war in Gaza.” That statement followed her unsuccessful attempt to lead a congressional push to strip $500 million in US military aid to Israel, part of the annual defense support package.
