US Says Israel May Have Breached International Law In Gaza Conflict

Posted by: lukwago J in World news May 11, 2024

The United States has expressed concerns that Israel may have violated international law by using American-supplied weapons during the conflict in Gaza. While the US State Department acknowledged that it lacked complete information for a definitive assessment, it deemed it “reasonable to assess” that some instances were inconsistent with Israel’s obligations.

This revelation comes as part of a White House-ordered review into the use of US-supplied arms by countries engaged in conflict, including Israel.

The report, released to Congress after a delay, did not definitively conclude that Israel’s campaign breached international law. It acknowledged that Israel faced an “extraordinary military challenge” in its fight against Hamas in Gaza.

The report further emphasized that assurances from Israel regarding the legal use of US weapons were deemed “credible and reliable.” As Hamas often uses civilian infrastructure and human shields, determining legitimate targets in an active war zone can be challenging.

The report highlighted Israel’s significant reliance on US-made weapons and expressed doubts about their consistent implementation of best practices to mitigate civilian harm.

While acknowledging that Israel possesses the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary for effective implementation, the report raised questions about the actual results on the ground, particularly the high levels of civilian casualties.

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations described Israeli efforts to mitigate civilian harm as “inconsistent, ineffective, and inadequate.”

The report also mentioned that Israel did not fully cooperate with US efforts to maximize humanitarian aid into Gaza during the initial months of the conflict.

President Joe Biden warned of potential consequences

However, it stated that the situation had changed, and currently, there is no assessment that the Israeli government is restricting the transport or delivery of US humanitarian assistance.

David Satterfield, a former US ambassador to Turkey and a contributor to the report, emphasized that this was the first-of-its-kind assessment, and the US would continue to monitor Israeli actions.

The report’s release came shortly after President Joe Biden warned of potential consequences, including withholding certain bombs and artillery shells, if Israel proceeded with an assault on Rafah, a Hamas stronghold in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed President Biden’s warnings, stressing Israel’s determination to protect its citizens.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people have fled Rafah, and Israeli tanks are reportedly massed near populated areas. The United Nations has faced challenges in delivering aid due to the dangerous conditions.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas on southern Israel in early October. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and has been ongoing since then, with Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 34,900 people killed in Gaza.

The report’s findings suggest that Israel’s use of American-supplied weapons during the conflict in Gaza may have violated international humanitarian law in certain instances.

While the report stops short of definitively stating a breach of international law, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of Israel’s implementation of best practices to minimize civilian harm.

The ongoing review by the United States underscores the importance of monitoring and evaluating the use of weapons in conflicts to ensure adherence to international law and the protection of civilian lives.

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