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The meeting came as Biden's support for Israel's response to the
Oct. 7 Hamas attack has divided Democrats, fraying Biden's
coalition of voters ahead of November's presidential election.
Biden was seen walking into the Oval Office with Ocasio-Cortez
as well as Senators Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey after returning
aboard the Marine One helicopter to the White House from an
Earth Day event they all attended in Virginia.
The lawmakers have sharply criticized Israel's policies, with
Ocasio-Cortez last month describing the humanitarian situation
in Gaza as like "an unfolding genocide."
Still, the congresswoman from New York earlier this month made a
case for Biden's reelection despite his support for Israel,
citing a "a vested interest in protecting democracy not just
here domestically, but globally," in an interview with the media
organization Zeteo.
"I learned a long time ago to listen to that lady," Biden said
of Ocasio-Cortez in Virginia. "We're going to talk more about
another part of the world, too."
The White House and the lawmakers declined to comment on the
subject of the meeting.
Earlier on Monday, Biden said he condemned "antisemitic
protests" but also "those who don't understand what's going on
with the Palestinians." His administration has maintained
support for Israel but put increasing emphasis on the
Palestinian humanitarian situation in recent months.
Israel's assault on Gaza began after Hamas Islamists attacked
Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel's military offensive has killed 34,000 Palestinians in
Gaza, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Human rights advocates have reported a general rise in bias and
hate incidents against Jews, Arabs and Muslims. There was
particular concern in recent days, with the Jewish holiday of
Passover beginning on Monday evening.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Trevor Hunnicutt; editing by
Jonathan Oatis)
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