A new bill proposed by House Republicans suggests that individuals charged and found guilty of illegal activities on college campuses should be sent to Gaza for a minimum of six months.
Rep. Andy Ogles from Tennessee, along with Reps. Randy Weber from Texas and Jeff Duncan from South Carolina, introduced this bill in response to the escalating anti-Israel protests on college campuses nationwide.
The demonstrations have escalated into violence, leading to confrontations between law enforcement and activists, resulting in numerous arrests at various campuses.
Although the bill does not explicitly mention Israel or anti-Israel groups, it focuses on addressing unlawful behavior on college campuses following the events after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in a significant loss of life.
Individuals found guilty would be mandated to fulfill a mandatory six-month community service term in Gaza, where Israel is actively engaged in a harsh operation to eliminate Hamas and free the Israeli hostages held by terrorists since October.
“That’s why I introduced legislation to send any person convicted of unlawful activity on the campus of an American university since October 7th, 2023, to Gaza to complete a minimum of six months of community service.”
This legislation reflects the heightened tensions in the U.S. surrounding Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
“Students have abandoned their classes to harass other students and disrupt campus-wide activities, including university commencement ceremonies nationwide. Enough is enough,” Ogles told Fox News Digital.
Weber added, “If you support a terrorist organization, and you participate in unlawful activity on campuses, you should get a taste of your own medicine. I am going to bet that these pro-Hamas supporters wouldn’t last a day, but let’s give them the opportunity.”
The bill is expected to encounter challenges in the House, where Republicans have a narrow one-seat majority. Even if it manages to pass in the House, the Democrat-controlled Senate is likely to disregard it.
The protests on college campuses have drawn criticism from both Republicans and a significant portion of Democrats, while progressives have continued to support the students and activists involved.
Rep. Ilhan Omar from Minnesota faced backlash for her remarks labeling some Jewish students as “pro-genocide,” leading to a censure resolution filed against her by Rep. Don Bacon from Nebraska.
Similarly, Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, another member of the “Squad,” has also faced censure for her comments regarding Israel following the events of October 7.
