Rights Groups Demand Biden Halt Military Support for Israel Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

September 6, 2024
Rights Groups Demand Biden Halt Military Support for Israel Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
  • The organizations called for an immediate review of Israel's compliance with U.S. policy regarding arms transfers and urged the suspension of these transfers to prevent complicity in war crimes.

  • A leaked internal memo indicated serious concerns among State Department officials about Israel's compliance with international law.

  • The groups stressed that U.S. arms transfers to Israel pose a risk of complicity in violations of international law and urged a change in the Biden administration's approach.

  • Despite the findings of the State Department report, the Biden administration maintained that Israel's assurances regarding the use of U.S. weapons were credible, refusing to suspend arms transfers.

  • Over 25 rights groups, including Amnesty International and Refugees International, have urged the Biden administration to halt military support for Israel due to ongoing violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

  • The letter from these organizations emphasized that U.S. military support for Israel continues despite significant restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, with aid levels dropping by over 80% in recent months.

  • A U.S. State Department report from May concluded that U.S.-provided arms likely contributed to Israeli security forces acting inconsistently with international humanitarian law obligations.

  • Annie Shiel from the Center for Civilians in Conflict highlighted that ongoing military support may violate U.S. humanitarian laws.

  • The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with 96% of the population facing food insecurity and a high risk of famine.

  • Since a U.N. report in May, there has been a staggering 300% increase in acute malnutrition in Northern Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

  • The letter detailed specific incidents where U.S.-made weapons were used in attacks on civilians in Gaza, including airstrikes that killed dozens.

  • The letter was sent to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the same day the U.K. suspended 30 arms export licenses for Israel, citing risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Summary based on 1 source


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