Staff Reports
Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently faced backlash for writing “Finish them!” on an Israeli artillery shell during her visit to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. The message was met with criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Amnesty International USA, who condemned the move as inappropriate in a conflict zone. Additionally, actor John Cusack and Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks, made harsh denunciations against Haley on social media.
Despite the controversy, Haley urged Israel to “tune out the noise and finish the job,” emphasizing the need for Israel to address the threat posed by Hamas in the region. She also highlighted the alleged use of international aid by Hamas to serve its own interests rather than assisting the Palestinian people.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley signed Israeli artillery shells with the message "Finish Them!" Conflict is no place for stunts. Conflict has rules. Civilians must be protected. pic.twitter.com/HtLShHWaKi
— Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) May 29, 2024
The incident occurred in the midst of heightened tensions following an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of around 45 civilians and the injury of hundreds more. Palestinian authorities claimed the deadly fire was the result of an Israeli airstrike, while Israeli authorities contended that it was caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Hamas weapons caches.
The strike and its aftermath have sparked global condemnation and renewed scrutiny of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The International Criminal Court announced its intent to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes committed during the conflict.
