The Biden administration has suggested that Israel may have violated international law during the recent conflict in Gaza, according to a report released by the State Department to Congress. The report raised concerns about the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and questioned whether Israel is effectively using tools to mitigate harm. While the U.S. does not have definitive information on whether U.S. weapons were used in violations of international law, it is reasonable to assess that this may have occurred given Israel’s reliance on U.S.-made defense articles.
The report acknowledged the challenges in assessing individual incidents due to the nature of the conflict and the lack of U.S. personnel on the ground in Gaza. Despite these challenges, the report stated that Israel provided assurances in March that it would use U.S. weapons in accordance with international law, allowing the U.S. to continue sending military aid to Israel. The Biden administration had previously paused a shipment of arms to Israel out of concern for a possible invasion of Rafah, a city in Gaza where many Palestinians are seeking refuge.
There has been growing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to invade Rafah, but Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will continue its fight against Hamas regardless of international pressure. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, thousands of people in Gaza and Israel have lost their lives in the conflict. Biden had ordered the State Department to conduct an assessment of any credible reports or allegations of violations of international law during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which took place from January 2023 to April 2023.
The Biden administration’s stance on potential violations of international law by Israel comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and calls for a ceasefire from various international actors. The State Department’s report highlights the complexities of the conflict and the challenges in monitoring and assessing actions on the ground. While the report does not definitively confirm violations that would prompt a cutoff of U.S. aid to Israel, it raises important questions about the use of U.S.-made weapons and the need for accountability in conflict situations.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with ongoing violence causing further loss of life and destruction in the region. Calls for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the conflict continue to be made by international actors, while Israel and Hamas remain entrenched in their positions. The Biden administration’s report adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, raising questions about the role of U.S. military aid in the region and the need for accountability in ensuring compliance with international law. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in Gaza and working towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
