An investigation by Reuters has revealed that senior Pentagon and Department of State officials within the Biden administration warned of potential Israeli war crimes during the October 7, 2023, war on Gaza. The officials raised concerns about the rising death toll in Gaza and its potential violation of international law, which could impact US relations with the Arab world. The investigation found that there was internal pressure within the administration to shift its messaging from unwavering support for Israel to include sympathy for Palestinians and the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The warnings came after the Gaza Health Ministry reported a death toll of around 1,200 Palestinians, prompting calls for swift action and a change in public stance. Israel’s decision to drop evacuation leaflets in northern Gaza, with plans to displace one million residents, raised further concerns about potential war crimes. US officials, including Dana Stroul from the Department of Defense, highlighted the impossibility and potential humanitarian catastrophe of such a large-scale evacuation.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the conduct of Israeli National Police units, leading to recommendations to deny arms shipments to Israel. Despite this, the US continued to send weapons to Israel, including precision-guided missiles and bombs. As the conflict continued, the death toll in Gaza continued to rise, with thousands killed and wounded.
The revelations from the Reuters investigation shed light on the internal discussions within the Biden administration regarding the conflict in Gaza, highlighting concerns about potential violations of international law and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
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