The Biden administration has raised concerns about Israel potentially violating international law in its conflict with Hamas, according to a report released by the State Department on Friday. Despite these concerns, the US will continue to supply weapons and support to Israel, a key ally in the region.
The report stated that while Israel’s use of US weapons in Gaza may have breached international law, specific instances could not be verified. The State Department acknowledged that it is difficult to assess individual incidents in the complex conflict in Gaza.
In addition to concerns about potential violations of international law, the report also highlighted issues with the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. While improvements have been made, the US still has “deep concerns” about the situation.
President Joe Biden had previously criticized Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “over the top,” and the US recently withheld a shipment of bombs in an effort to dissuade further military action. Despite tensions between the two allies, US officials have consistently defended Israel against accusations of war crimes or violations of international humanitarian law.
The report emphasized that Hamas, a US-designated terrorist group, has played a significant role in the conflict by embedding fighters and military hardware within civilian infrastructure. The State Department noted that Israel has faced an “extraordinary military challenge” as a result.
While the US believes there may have been possible violations of international humanitarian law, specific incidents are still under investigation. The State Department is working with the Israeli government to gather more information and assess the situation further.