The US State Department has released a report suggesting that Israel may have used American-supplied weapons in violation of international humanitarian law during the war in Gaza.
While the report does not definitively conclude that Israel breached international law, it raises concerns about the use of US-made weapons and the high levels of civilian casualties.
Key Findings:
- The report assesses that it is “reasonable to assume” that US-supplied weapons were used in ways “inconsistent” with Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.
- The report notes that Israel has a “significant reliance” on US-made weapons and that it is “probable” that these weapons were used in instances that raised substantial questions about their use.
- The report criticizes Israel’s efforts to mitigate civilian harm as “inconsistent, ineffective, and inadequate.”
- The report also notes that Israel did not fully cooperate with US efforts to maximize humanitarian aid into Gaza in the initial months of the conflict.
Context:
- The report was submitted to Congress on Friday after a delay and is part of a White House-ordered review into how the US-supplied arms have been used by Israel and six other countries engaged in conflict since the start of last year.
- The report comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Israel over the war in Gaza, with US President Joe Biden publicly threatening to withhold certain bombs and artillery shells from Israel if it goes ahead with an assault on Rafah.
- The war in Gaza has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 34,900 people killed and more than 80,000 people fleeing Rafah since Monday.
Reactions:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed President Biden’s warnings and vowed that Israel will “stand alone” if necessary.
- David Satterfield, a former US ambassador to Turkey and contributor to the report, has stated that the report is the first of its kind and that the US will continue to keep Israeli actions “under review.”
