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Margaret Brennan presses Palestinian ambassador over not condemning Hamas on November 5, 2023 at 11:24 pm
CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan on Sunday pressed Palestinian ambassador to the U.K. Husam Zomlot over not condemning militant group Hamas and its Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, to which Zomlot instead called for the U.S. to “be the peacemaker” and recognize the Palestinian state.
In an interview on CBS News’s “Face The Nation,” Brennan pointed to the Israeli government withholding of some tax revenues after it claimed the Palestinian Authority has not condemned Hamas adequately and the group’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that left hundreds of civilians dead.
Pressed by Brennan on if he wants to clear the air and specifically condemn Hamas and its attacks, Zomlot responded, “No I want to clear the record.”
“First of all, the Palestinian Authority [PA] is not what represents the Palestinian people. It’s the PLO — it’s the Palestine Liberation Organization,” Zomlot continued. “I represented the PLO in Washington, now I represent the PLO in London. The PA does not have external arms, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people is the PLO.”
Last week, Israel said it would proceed with a tax revenue transfer to the PA in the West Bank, but would withhold funds for Gaza, where the PA helps fund public sector wages and electricity, according to a Reuters report.
Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is recognized by the U.S. and several other countries as a terrorist organization.
“Let me clarify another matter — it’s the state of Palestine that will take over and protect its people and the West Bank in Jerusalem and in Gaza once the Palestinian occupied territory is liberated,” Zomlot said. “Number three — it is the opportunity for the U.S. to be the peacemaker.”
Brennan then interjected Zomlot and said, “I am sure you are concerned about the tax revenue..”
Zomlot continued, “Number one, to designate,” before Brennan interjected again, “Do you want to clear the air and condemn —”
Zomlot appeared to ignore the repeated question, saying, “Designate the PLO from the terrorists list in the U.S. Congress.”
“The U.S. should recognize the state of Palestine and allow us to be a full member in the UN [United Nations] and the U.S. must immediately stop voting — vetoing sorry, attempts at accountability,” Zomlot continued.
“These are decades worth of problems,” Brennan responded. ‘I’m just asking with this one specific issue on Oct. 7 and the tax revenue.”
“No, no, no. Not the case, not the case…because it’s the result of us not really focusing on the root…cause. This is the moment of the U.S. to play the role —” Zomlot responded.
Brennan again interjected, “I understand there are deep root causes but on that specific condemnation, should just be a very quick answer.”
Zomlot then referenced Brennan’s earlier interview with Israel ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog, who spoke of the “unintended consequences” in “every war.”
Israel responded to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks with a bombardment of Gaza, including hundreds of airstrikes and several bombings that have killed thousands of civilians, according to the Hamas-ruled Health Ministry in Gaza.
Zomlot argued Israel’s bombardment has been “Israeli military doctrine,” for years.
“We have to leave the conversation there, but it’s very clear that it’s really the U.S. talking about a peace settlement — two-state solutions, and you did not clearly condemn that,” Brennan said. “So, Ambassador, thank you for sharing the Palestinian point of view. We have to leave it there.”
Last week, President Biden called for a “concentrated effort” on the part of world leaders towards a two-state solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.
Since entering office, Biden held off on starting U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. However, Biden said last week there is no returning to the “status quo” in the wake of Hamas’s attacks.
Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, though there is little understanding of who or what entity will lead the Gaza Strip, where an estimated 2.3 million Palestinians reside.
Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority and took complete control of the strip in 2007.
CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan on Sunday pressed Palestinian ambassador to the U.K. Husam Zomlot over not condemning militant group Hamas and its Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, to which Zomlot instead called for the U.S. to “be the peacemaker” and recognize the Palestinian state. In an interview on CBS News’s “Face The Nation,” Brennan…
President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.
What Trump Is Saying
Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.
How Taxes Work Now
Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.
Questions From Experts
Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.
What Congress Must Do
The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.
What It Means Right Now
For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.
The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.
“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”
U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.
Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.
The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.
Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.
Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.
As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.
What Happened at the United Nations
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, defending Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. As he spoke, more than 100 delegates from over 50 countries stood up and left the chamber—a rare and significant diplomatic walkout. Outside the UN, thousands of protesters gathered to voice opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and call for accountability, including some who labeled him a war criminal. The protest included activists from Palestinian and Jewish groups, along with international allies.
Why Did Delegates and Protesters Walk Out?
The walkouts and protests were a response to Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread destruction and a significant humanitarian crisis. Many countries and individuals have accused Israel of excessive use of force, and some international prosecutors have suggested Netanyahu should face investigation by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, including claims that starvation was used as a weapon against civilians. At the same time, a record number of nations—over 150—recently recognized the State of Palestine, leaving the United States as the only permanent UN Security Council member not to join them.
International Reaction and Significance
The diplomatic walkouts and street protests demonstrate increasing global concern over the situation in Gaza and growing support for Palestinian statehood. Several world leaders, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, showed visible solidarity with protesters. Petro called for international intervention and, controversially, for US troops not to follow orders he viewed as supporting ongoing conflict. The US later revoked Petro’s visa over his role in the protests, which he argued was evidence of a declining respect for international law.
Why Is This News Important?
The Gaza conflict is one of the world’s most contentious and closely-watched issues. It has drawn strong feelings and differing opinions from governments, activists, and ordinary people worldwide. The United Nations, as an international organization focused on peace and human rights, is a key arena for these debates. The events surrounding Netanyahu’s speech show that many nations and voices are urging new action—from recognition of Palestinian rights to calls for sanctions against Israel—while discussion and disagreement over the best path forward continue.
This episode at the UN highlights how international diplomacy, public protests, and official policy are all intersecting in real time as the search for solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains urgent and unresolved.
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