CNN’s Abby Phillip Confronts Tim Scott: ‘How Is Making Life More Miserable For Gazans Something That Helps Israel?’

CNN host Abby Phillip confronted Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) on Thursday over his opposition to sending humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, including Americans, who are currently affected by Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

During an interview with Scott on her show CNN NewsNight, Phillip said, “I want to ask you about $100 million aid that is being sent to Gaza. You’ve said recently that you oppose that.”

“Yes,” replied Scott.

Phillip questioned, “I wonder, just putting aside some of the kind of political rhetoric around this, how is making life more miserable for Gazans something that helps Israel?”

“I’m glad you asked that question,” replied Scott, who then proceeded to dodge the question:

Let’s take a look at how this thing started on October the 7th. We saw babies decapitated, we saw babies burned, we saw women raped, we saw grandmother’s taken, and Israel’s response is to make sure that never happens again. To provide complete and total support for Israel means giving them the resources and the flexibility they need to engage in conflict with Hamas.

Phillip noted, “I understand, but I’m talking about humanitarian— I’m talking about humanitarian aid, which Israel by the way has agreed to,” as Scott continued to talk over her and state that he didn’t want “a dime, a nickel, a penny ending up in the hands of Hamas.”

“This is not what I’m talking about here, and what this aid is, [it] is not cash. We’re talking about access to water, food, medical care,” replied Phillip. “I guess what I’m saying, Senator, is if Israel has agreed to allow $100 million of humanitarian aid into southern Gaza where they have asked for civilians to go to, why would you oppose that aid being provided?”

Scott responded, “I believe that making sure that every penny that America spends anywhere does not end up in the hands of terrorist organizations is my responsibility.”

After Phillip pointed out that there were around 500-600 Americans currently in Gaza who would also benefit from humanitarian aid, she asked Scott, “Do you think they ought to be fending for themselves?”

Scott dodged the question, concluding:

I’ll just say what I said earlier, not on the show. Israel has provided those residents living in Gaza an opportunity to leave the vulnerable areas.

As a result of that, they find themselves in a position to get out of harm’s way. By doing that, we accelerate the path to victory for Israel, which then eliminates the need for a conflict.

Watch above via CNN.