Boston Mayor Wu supports federal delegation’s ‘positions and actions’ in Israel-Hamas War

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she supports the “positions and actions” of the city’s federal delegation in response to the Israel-Hamas War, some of whom have called for a cease-fire and U.S.-imposed conditions on Israeli military funding.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley has repeatedly called for a cease-fire in Gaza, and U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren are among the 12 Democratic senators pushing for an amendment to President Biden’s roughly $111 billion national security supplemental request that would place conditions on Israeli military aid.

Wu weighed in on the Israel-Hamas War Tuesday in response to a call from a pro-Palestinian activist on GBH’s Boston Public Radio. The caller accused the United States and Boston of financially supporting a “genocide of the Palestinian people” and asked why the mayor, Markey and Warren have been silent on calls for a cease-fire.

“We feel the hurt so deeply in our local community as well,” Wu said. “It is just unfathomable to imagine, even at a very high level so far away from the conflict, what it means to lose so many tens of thousands of lives. Two-thirds women and children — people who are just trying to survive and take care of their families.”

The mayor went on to say that her “primary focus” is ensuring the safety of everyone who lives in and visits Boston, which involves supporting “our federal delegation as they take the positions and actions they were elected to do.”

Wu, Markey, Warren and Pressley are progressive Democrats.

The ongoing Middle East conflict, Wu said, has coincided with a rise in Islamophobia, antisemitism, and a “much more visible presence of hate and violence” throughout the country. Her aim is that “all voices are heard” and “everyone can be in community with each other” in Boston, she said.

When pressed about whether she agreed with Warren about whether the U.S. should impose conditions on funding sent to the Israeli military, Wu somewhat dodged the question, citing a lack of knowledge and expertise, but again reiterated her support for the federal delegation’s actions.

“I like to weigh in on things where I feel competent in my knowledge and expertise,” Wu said. “My knowledge and expertise is in the city of Boston. I support our federal delegation in the work they’re doing to try to make sure they’re advocating for what’s best.”

Related Articles

Politics |


Leaders warn of ‘attacks’ on democracy, values at Boston’s 54th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast

Politics |


Boston Mayor Michelle Wu not interested in top job at Harvard

Politics |


US Congressman Auchincloss blasts Boston City Council for rejecting $13M anti-terror grant

Politics |


20 arrested following Boston State of the City address, charged with disorderly conduct

Politics |


Boston Mayor Wu lays out 2024 vision highlighted by housing, education and protesters

Wu’s remarks follow her more abbreviated response at last Tuesday’s State of the City address, which was to briefly pause when her speech was interrupted by pro-Palestinian activists calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Twenty people were arrested, police said.

The president’s supplemental request includes more than $10 billion in defense funding for Israel, The Hill reported last month, noting that Biden has generally rejected conditioning aid to Israel, albeit with mixed messaging.

Warren and Markey are pushing for an amendment that would require the U.S. to place conditions on that funding, according to a Dec. 7 press release from Markey’s office.

“When it comes to U.S. military aid to Israel, American support cannot be a blank check to a right-wing Netanyahu government that has demonstrated a gross disregard for the lives of Palestinian citizens,” Warren said at the time. “U.S. military aid always includes conditions, and there is no exception, even for our allies.”

Warren posted a similar statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Jan. 4.

On Monday, Pressley renewed her call for a ceasefire in Gaza, as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday marked exactly 100 days since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel that sparked war in the region.

“This conflict is not new,” Pressley said in a statement. “It is a chain reaction of violence and trauma that leaves a trail of sorrow and hardship for families in both Palestine and Israel.”

The mayor was not asked about hostages held by Hamas terrorists.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous post Healey announces millions towards universal pre-K in Gateway cities
Next post Washington County to switch over to .gov domain name