US State Department Highlights Israel’s Potential IHL Violations Amidst Gaza Conflict
A recent summary report from the US Department of State suggested that Israel might have used weaponry provided by the US in ways that don’t align with international humanitarian law (IHL). However, it couldn’t definitively confirm if US-provided weapons were involved in specific incidents.
The report acknowledged receiving credible allegations of Israeli violations of IHL since attacks by Hamas on October 7, from sources such as the UN, NGOs, and media. It noted that certain Israeli-operated systems, like crewed attack aircraft, are of US origin and might have been involved in actions raising IHL concerns.
Despite concerns about Israel’s actions affecting humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, the report recognized Israel’s steps like opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow more aid into Gaza. Consequently, it didn’t conclude that Israel was obstructing US humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Additionally, the report assessed the compliance with IHL of US partners Colombia, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ukraine. While there were concerns about human rights violations involving security forces in these countries, the report found no evidence of US weaponry being used in such breaches.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has garnered global attention for its impact on civilians in both Israel and Gaza. Following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take measures to prevent breaches of the Genocide Convention in Gaza, following a complaint by South Africa.
President Joe Biden issued memorandum NSM-20 in February, directing reports from the Departments of State and Defense on the compliance of US weapons and defense services with IHL to various congressional committees.
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