‘From the river to the sea’: Why a Palestinian rallying cry ignites dispute

Some people have interpreted the phrase as a call to eradicate Israel and critics, including some Jewish American organizations, who say that it constitutes antisemitic speech. A rise in antisemitic attacks in the United States and Europe since the start of the war has contributed to the unease.

Pro-Palestinian activists say the controversy over the phrase, which is encompassing enough to express a range of visions, serves to silence dissent over Israel’s assault on Hamas in Gaza, launched in response to the Hamas attack on Israeli communities last month.

Last week, the House of Representatives censured Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American member of Congress, for her remarks about the conflict and a video she posted on social media of protesters chanting the slogan.

Here’s what to know about the origins of the phrase, its connotations and the controversy it has caused.