In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her concerns about the antiwar protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that some may be connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pelosi went on to request that the FBI investigate the financing behind these protests.

When asked if she feared that President Joe Biden's stance on the war in Gaza would impact his support from young voters, Pelosi stated that calls for a ceasefire align with Putin's message. She clarified that while some protesters are genuine in their cause, she believes that some may have ties to Russia.

Pelosi emphasized that she does not believe the protesters are Russian plants, but rather, she believes that investigating their financing is necessary. She called upon the FBI to look into the matter.

However, Pelosi's remarks regarding potential foreign influence on American ceasefire protesters drew immediate criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The organization characterized her claims as delusional and condemned her call for an FBI investigation without evidence, deeming it authoritarian.

CAIR further likened Pelosi's comments to a time in American history when opponents of the Vietnam War were accused of communist sympathies and subjected to FBI harassment. The advocacy group raised concerns about First Amendment violations and compared the alleged suppression of pro-Palestinian speech to a modern form of McCarthyism.

As the debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rages on, some advocacy groups are urging political leaders, including Pelosi, to respect the will of the American people and demand an end to what they perceive as the Netanyahu government's "genocidal war" on Gaza. They urge leaders to focus on promoting peaceful solutions rather than making baseless accusations.

The controversy surrounding Pelosi's remarks highlights the increasingly polarizing nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for open dialogue and understanding between various factions. The expectation now is for investigative authorities to determine the credibility of Pelosi's claims and shed light on any potential foreign influence on the Gaza protest movement.