During a recent visit to Israel, former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley inscribed “Finish Them!” on an Israeli artillery shell, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past eight months.
An image shared on social media by Israeli politician and former ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, depicted Haley kneeling in front of crates of shells, writing with a marker on one. Another image showed Haley’s signed message: “Finish them – America HEART Israel, Always.”
Danon, who accompanied Haley during the visit over the weekend, posted these images.
Haley’s message drew swift criticism from human rights organizations.
“Conflict is no place for stunts. Conflict has rules. Civilians must be protected,” Amnesty International stated on Wednesday in response to Haley’s action.
Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza’s Rafah, which has been underway for three weeks, sparked global condemnation following an airstrike on Sunday that claimed the lives of at least 45 people when a fire broke out in a tent camp in a western district.
Last week, the World Court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on Rafah, responding to South Africa’s accusations of genocide. Israel denies these allegations. Kenneth Roth, a former Human Rights Watch executive director, criticized Nikki Haley for her stance, suggesting her support for Israeli actions could be seen as endorsing war crimes.
Haley, a vocal supporter of Israel, defended Israel’s actions, stating they were necessary for self-defense against perceived threats.
The conflict in Gaza has drawn international criticism, divided U.S. lawmakers, and sparked protests across the country. The Palestinian health ministry reports a death toll exceeding 36,000, with widespread displacement and hunger in Gaza.
Israel claims its actions are responses to attacks by Hamas, which it accuses of killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
