In its strongest criticism of Israel to date, the US government has suggested that Israel’s use of weapons during its military operation in Gaza may have violated international humanitarian law. This assessment was made in a 46-page unclassified State Department report to Congress, released on Friday.
The report, required under a new National Security Memorandum issued by President Joe Biden in February, notes that while there have been credible reports of civilian harm, the US cannot verify specific instances where Israel’s use of weapons may have breached international law. This is due to the chaos of the war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-ruled enclave.
The report highlights contradictions in Israel’s actions, stating that while Israel did not initially cooperate with Washington to boost humanitarian assistance to the enclave, it has since taken steps to improve aid delivery. The US has put a hold on one package of arms to Israel and is reviewing others, despite reiterating its long-term support for the country.
The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 252 others, of whom 133 are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza. The US and Israel are increasingly at odds over Israel’s plans to strike Rafah, which Washington has repeatedly warned against.
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