‘I will not be silenced’: Rashida Tlaib hits back at congressional censure motion

Sole Palestinian American in US Congress defends her criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and urges lawmakers to call for ceasefire

The progressive Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is the only Palestinian American in the US Congress, on Tuesday defended her criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and urged US lawmakers to join in calling for a ceasefire.

Her comments on the House floor came minutes after Democrats paved the way for an effort to censure her for her remarks, which her detractors say disparaged Israel, and included an emotional and impassioned plea for free speech and equal treatment for Palestinians. The actual vote on whether or not to censure Tlaib is expected on Wednesday.