The recent delivery of a report by Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sparked controversy regarding the use of U.S. weapons in Gaza in ways deemed “inconsistent” with international law. The report found allegations of potential violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces, although no formal findings have been made yet.
One of the main issues highlighted in the report is the lack of “complete information” on whether U.S. weapons were involved in these violations. This is attributed to the difficulty of obtaining accurate information in a war zone, as well as Hamas’ use of civilian infrastructure.
The report suggests that Israeli defense articles may have also been used in ways inconsistent with international humanitarian law. It points out that Israel initially did not fully cooperate with the U.S. in maximizing humanitarian aid flow, but efforts in this regard have increased recently.
Despite criticism for potentially falling short in reducing civilian casualties and using best practices, Israel has maintained that it will continue its operations in Gaza. The country is currently conducting criminal investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
The U.S. delivered the report to Congress under NSM-20, a requirement for countries receiving U.S. military aid to comply with international law. This has caused disappointment and criticism from both Democratic and Republican senators, who are calling for a policy shift on supporting Israel in Gaza.
President Biden recently paused the shipment of bombs to Israel in an effort to prevent civilian casualties, signaling a potential change in the U.S.’s stance on the conflict. Nearly 35,000 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, prompting U.S. lawmakers and human rights organizations to accuse Israel of violating international law and restricting humanitarian assistance.
The State Department is currently conducting investigations into civilian harm incidents in Gaza and is considering the potential suspension of military aid under the Leahy Law for an IDF unit with violations of human rights. Despite the criticism and looming aid suspension, Israel has vowed to continue its operations in Gaza.
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