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U.S. Sen. Edward Markey marshaled a progressive young fan base that helped his re-election and now hes taking criticism from some of the same people as they urge him to take a harder line with Israel in his comments on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

More than 700 people, including former Markey campaign staff and progressive activist allies of his from last years tough re-election fight against then- Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, signed a statement demanding that Markey use his position as a Senate Foreign Affairs Committee member to end what they called U.S. complicity in the Israeli occupation and apartheid of Palestine.

As the young people, organizers and advocates who are responsible for Sen. Markeys victory, we are upset and disappointed by his recent statement on Israels illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestine, the statement said. They wrote that he followed in the footsteps of Donald Trump by saying its a both sides issue, which ignores the current and historical power imbalance between Israel and Palestine Sen. Markeys refusal to support justice in Palestine is antithetical to the progressive movement that won him re-election.

On Saturday, as more than 1,000 people attended a pro-Palestinian rally outside the Boston Public Library, Markey said in a statement: There is no justification for Hamass bombardment of Israeli civilians with rocket fire, but he also called on Israel to seek an immediate ceasefire and said the U.S. must engage more heavily in the region to protect civilian lives and to facilitate a lasting peace that allows Palestinians to live with dignity in their own state.

I am deeply alarmed by the deadly violence taking innocent lives in Gaza and Israel, Markey said. Rather than escalating this violence in a way that would cost hundreds, even thousands, more civilian lives, Israel must seek an immediate ceasefire.

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Progressives push Markey to defend Palestinians in escalating conflict with Israel - Boston Herald