State Department emphasizes that no decision has been made about Israel breaking international laws after critical report.
The State Department spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. has not made any definitive conclusions on whether Israel breached international law in Gaza following a critical report released on Friday.
During a press conference, Patel stated, “The report indicates that this is a very intricate and complicated battlefield. It is set in a dense urban environment. We are faced with the belligerence of Hamas, which has a history of positioning itself among civilians and civilian infrastructure, using civilians as shields.”
He went on to explain, “The IDF has taken measures to adhere to international humanitarian laws for safeguarding civilians in the ongoing conflict.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken submitted a delayed national security memorandum to Congress on Friday, suggesting that Israel’s utilization of U.S.-supplied weapons in Gaza may have violated international humanitarian law. However, due to wartime conditions, American officials were unable to definitively confirm this in specific airstrikes. The report also recognized the exceptional military challenge Israel faces as Hamas deliberately embeds itself within the civilian population, using them as human shields.
The report notes that Hamas is intentionally using schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and even international organization facilities for military purposes. They have built an extensive tunnel network underneath civilian infrastructure to shelter their leaders and fighters launch assaults. Additionally, Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages in Gaza.
Patel stated, “Due to Hamas’s consistent use of civilians defensively, we are unable to definitively determine whether international humanitarian laws have been violated.”
Blinken has been vocal in criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, highlighting the loss of innocent lives and the failure to neutralize Hamas members. He stressed that a lasting insurgency could be provoked by these tactics.
He also emphasized the importance of credible plans from Israel for security and governance in Gaza post-conflict. The U.S. has been collaborating with Arab nations and other parties to develop such plans but has yet to see them materialize from Israel.
As Israel pushes into Rafah, Blinken warns of potential harm to the population and the risk of leaving an enduring insurgency or chaos in its wake. The goal, according to Blinken, is to ensure that Hamas does not regain control of Gaza.
More than a million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah amidst Israel’s offensive, with the city hosting multiple Hamas battalions.
Blinken stressed the importance of finding a strategic and long-term solution that prevents Hamas from governing Gaza once again.
Overall, the situation in Gaza remains complicated and delicate, with the U.S. closely monitoring events and advocating for a peaceful resolution.
For the latest updates on this developing situation, stay tuned to Boston Post News.
