Biden Administration says Israeli military aid can continue after Gaza probe
President Joe Biden’s administration has concluded its assessment of whether Israel is breaking international and American laws in its U.S.-backed military campaign in Gaza, and believes Israel’s conduct does not require Washington to cut off aid for the offensive.
Both Axios and The Associated Press reported that the assessment was extremely “critical” of Israel and will likely be sent to Congress. This report holds significant implications for Biden’s policy of supplying Israel with weapons, despite a pause in providing a specific bomb package. Drafted by officials at the State Department, the White House, and the Pentagon, the assessment aims to review credible allegations of Israeli war crimes involving U.S. military support and Israel’s hindrance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Lawmakers and activists critical of Israel’s actions see this report as an opportunity to increase scrutiny of the military campaign. Concerns have been raised about the potential political motivations behind the assessment, with fears that the administration may misrepresent Israeli behavior to avoid limiting U.S. military aid to the country.
Recent reports have fueled these concerns further. On Thursday, Axios disclosed that Biden’s outgoing humanitarian envoy for Gaza and his ambassador to Israel argued that Israel had ceased hindering aid flow into Gaza. However, the top humanitarian official at the United Nations reported that Israel’s military operation had halted aid entering Gaza for three days, leaving civilians without vital assistance.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of approximately 35,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to local authorities. In retaliation, a Hamas-led attack within Israel last year claimed the lives of close to 1,200 people, with the majority being civilians.
The escalating conflict has raised concerns about the impact on civilians in the region, and the need for international assistance and intervention. The Biden administration’s handling of the situation has come under scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability in U.S. support for Israel.
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