Biden’s handling of Rafah and Gaza aid criticized as a symbol of American incompetence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his frustration over leaks to the media regarding private discussions about Israel’s military conduct in Gaza during a congressional hearing earlier this week. Blinken emphasized that these leaks should not have happened, as they were meant to be private conversations between the US and Israel.

The leaks have sparked a major discussion around the US-Israel relationship and the Biden administration’s approach to addressing Israel’s military operations in Gaza. While the administration has publicly expressed concerns about civilian harm in Gaza, analysts believe that the lack of substantive pressure on Israel has been a significant failure.

Despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s war, the Biden administration has made minimal efforts to address Israel’s blockage of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. Critics argue that the administration’s approach of publicly supporting Israel while privately expressing concerns has not been effective in reducing civilian casualties.

The administration’s support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza has come under scrutiny, with legal experts, rights groups, and Palestinians criticizing the US for providing material support to Israel despite documented cases of civilian harm. The State Department has also faced resignations from officials protesting against US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In addition to the military operations, Israel has also been accused of blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The US has been criticized for not pressuring Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and instead focusing on ineffective methods such as air-dropping supplies and building a floating pier that has yet to distribute aid to the Palestinian population.

The international community has increasingly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, with countries like South Africa, Turkey, and Egypt accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians. The International Criminal Court has announced plans to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, further isolating Israel on the global stage.

Despite growing criticism, the Biden administration has continued to support Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading to concerns that Israel may escalate its military operations in response to international pressure. Critics warn that Israel is squandering the goodwill of its allies and partners by ignoring calls for a change in course.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions and prioritize the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population. The lack of meaningful action from the US has raised concerns about the long-term consequences of the conflict and the impact on civilian lives in Gaza.