In a recent town hall meeting with constituents, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan sparked controversy when he appeared to endorse the use of nuclear weapons in relation to the conflict in Gaza. However, on Sunday, Rep. Walberg clarified that his comments were not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor emphasizing the need for swift resolutions in both the Israel-Hamas war and the situation in Ukraine.

The video of Rep. Walberg's remarks quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism for his perceived advocacy of military action. His suggestion that Gaza should be "like Nagasaki and Hiroshima" and that the U.S. should not provide humanitarian aid to the region raised concerns and led to calls for clarification.

In a statement released on Sunday, Rep. Walberg addressed the backlash, stating, "As a child who grew up in the Cold War era, the last thing I'd advocate for would be the use of nuclear weapons." He explained that his remarks were intended to convey the urgency for Israel and Ukraine to swiftly end their conflicts, without putting American troops in harm's way.

Rep. Walberg further clarified that the use of the metaphor, along with the lack of context in the shortened video clip, had distorted his message. He emphasized that his intention was to highlight the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and expediting the resolution of these wars. "The quicker these wars end, the fewer innocent lives will be caught in the crossfire," he stated, reaffirming his support for U.S. allies.

The controversial comments come at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to the United Nations, more than 34,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict, and the entire population of Gaza, consisting of approximately 2.3 million people, has been displaced from their homes. The situation has resulted in tens of thousands facing famine due to limited humanitarian aid being allowed into Gaza by the Israeli government.

These events have strained the relationship between the Biden administration and the Israeli government. The Biden administration has been urging Israel to increase the flow of aid to Gaza, aligning its stance with that of other foreign governments. Last week, the U.N. Security Council also called for a full cease-fire in the conflict, with the U.S. abstaining from the vote and further amplifying the divide between the Biden administration and Israel on this issue.

As Rep. Walberg seeks to clarify his remarks and emphasize his commitment to peaceful resolutions and the well-being of civilians, attention remains on the dire situation in Gaza. The need for increased humanitarian aid, an end to the conflict, and a path towards a lasting peace continue to be pressing concerns.