US House Minority Whip Katherine Clark has referred to Israel’s war in Gaza as a “genocide”, becoming one of the highest-ranking lawmakers to use the term to describe the situation.
The comment made during an event in her Massachusetts district was reported by news outlet Axios. Clark is the second-highest ranking member of Congress to use this word, following House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Clark’s stance is significant, given that 13 other House members have also used the term “genocide” to describe the war in Gaza – including a dozen progressive Democrats and Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The comments came after Clark was confronted by pro-Palestinian protesters at an event hosted by Quaker group Friends Meeting at Cambridge. Clark emphasized the need for action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing the importance of stopping starvation and destruction.
Clark’s spokesperson Joy Lee stated that the whip’s position on the war has not changed, advocating for a permanent ceasefire, return of hostages, and surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Democratic leadership supports a two-state solution for Israeli and Palestinian children.
This move reflects growing discomfort among lawmakers towards supporting Israel, particularly regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Several House Democrats have signed onto a letter urging recognition of a Palestinian state, with at least one planning to introduce a pro-statehood resolution.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/israel-gaza-genocide-katherine-clark-democrat