Congress’ far-left “Squad” urged Israel to exercise restraint in the military response to a coordinated attack by Hamas militants who killed hundreds of Israeli civilians.

Rep. Cori Bush, Missouri Democrat, said the U.S. “must do our part to stop this violence and trauma by ending U.S. government support for Israeli military occupation and apartheid” while Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar said Gaza “doesn’t have shelters or an iron dome” like Israel to protect its citizens.

Their aggressively pro-Palestinian viewpoints underscore the range of pressures from within the Democratic Party being exerted on President Biden as he navigates this foreign policy crisis.

Mr. Biden was more forceful in his support of Israel, saying in a speech Saturday that “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Full stop.”

The Squad members condemned all violence after the attacks but also highlighted the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza from where the surprise attack on Israel was launched.

“Palestinians are human beings who have been besieged and are deserving of protection from the international community,” Ms. Omar posted on X. 

Israel officially said the country was at war and vowed to retaliate, prompting calls for de-escalation from America’s left-wing politicians.

Hamas has taken hostages, including some who the U.S. says are American citizens. 

“An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat in the Squad, posted on social media.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.