US Muslim Group Condemns Pelosi for Linking Gaza Ceasefire Protests to Russia – Reuters

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON – A U.S. Muslim group has criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after she implied, without evidence, that some protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza might have ties to Russia and called for an FBI investigation into their activities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) labeled Pelosi’s remarks as "unsubstantiated smears," asserting that such statements dehumanize the Palestinian people.

Pelosi’s comments came during a CNN interview in response to a question about whether discontent with President Joe Biden’s policies regarding the Gaza conflict could negatively impact the Democratic Party in the upcoming presidential election.

"For them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putin’s message, Mr. Putin’s message. Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see," Pelosi stated. She added, "I think some of these protesters are spontaneous, and organic, and sincere. Some I think are connected to Russia," and called for an investigation into their financing.

This marked the first time a prominent U.S. lawmaker has suggested a connection between Russia and American protests for a ceasefire. The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza have erupted across the U.S., including demonstrations near airports and bridges in major cities, vigils outside the White House, and marches in the nation’s capital. These rallies have frequently disrupted Biden’s speeches and public events, organized by a coalition of human rights, Jewish, and anti-war activist groups.

CAIR spokesperson Ibrahim Hooper expressed dismay, stating, "It is unconscionable that an individual with such influence in this nation would spread unsubstantiated smears targeting those who seek an end to the slaughter of civilians in Gaza and a just resolution to that conflict." Nihad Awad, CAIR’s National Executive Director, remarked that Pelosi’s comments harken back to historical instances when Vietnam War opponents were accused of being communist sympathizers and faced FBI harassment.

In discussing the protests against Biden’s Gaza policy, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that the opposition arose from concerns over "the indiscriminate loss of life" in the area.

The United Nations has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but the U.S. has vetoed such resolutions in the Security Council, arguing that they would allow Hamas to recover and regroup.

Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians, accounting for more than 1% of the territory’s population, with many believed to be trapped under the rubble. Israeli airstrikes have devastated significant portions of Gaza, leaving countless residents homeless, causing food shortages that threaten famine, and severely affecting most hospitals in the region.