Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said Thursday night that the United States should stop all military aid to Israel, citing mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

Newsweek reached out to Massie’s office via email Thursday for comment.

Why It Matters

Tensions in the Middle East remain high despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas, with the U.S. acting as a key interlocutor. Tens of thousands of people in Gaza have died as a result of Israel’s war against Hamas, which was launched in response to Hamas’ attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. “take over the Gaza Strip,” adding at a news briefing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and all of the other weapons on the site.”

Asked about the possibility of sending U.S. troops into Gaza, Trump said: “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary, if it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”

What To Know

Massie’s remarks about ceasing U.S. military aid to Israel come as the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) faces intense criticism over what critics describe as a chaotic approach to aid distribution.

Video footage and photos posted to social media have shown thousands of Palestinians scrambling for food amid reports of Israeli gunfire and multiple casualties.

In his post to X on Thursday, the Kentucky lawmaker said, “Nothing can justify the number of civilian casualties (tens of thousands of women and children) inflicted by Israel in Gaza in the last two years. We should end all U.S. military aid to Israel now.”

Massie has long been outspoken about his views of Israel and was the only Republican to vote against a bill condemning antisemitism in 2022.

The Kentucky Republican later defended his vote on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “I don’t hate anyone based on his or her ethnicity or religion.”

“Legitimate government exists, in part, to punish those who commit unprovoked violence against others, but government can’t legislate thought,” Massie added. “This bill promoted internet censorship and violations of the 1st amendment.”

In March 2024, Massie voted against a bill that would have forced then-President Joe Biden to approve more military assistance to Israel.

Last October, while Israel was carrying out its military campaign in Lebanon, Massie posted on X: “If Israel insists on destroying civilian targets in Lebanon, let them buy and build their own weapons. American taxpayers should not be funding this.”

Massie is no stranger to criticism, including from members of his own party. He’s repeatedly voted “no” on congressional budget proposals backed by the Republican Party. Most recently, he drew President Donald Trump’s and senior GOP lawmakers’ ire when he voted against the Trump-backed bill that recently passed the House of Representatives, arguing that it would balloon the national deficit.

What People Are Saying

Massie last week on X about the Trump-backed bill: “I’d love to stand here and tell the American people ‘we can cut your taxes and increase spending and everything will be fine.’ But I can’t because I’m here to deliver a dose of reality about the ticking debt bomb known as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.'”

Secretary Marco Rubio on X in April: “.@POTUS is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”

What Happens Next

It is immediately unknown when or where Trump will next speak with Netanyahu regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.

Update 5/29/25 10:19 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.