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Report on Gaza Arms Accountability Criticizes and Clears Israel

(Washington Post) Toluse Olorunnipa - Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Friday in a report to Congress that it was "reasonable to assess" that U.S. defense articles "have been used by Israeli security forces since October 7 in instances inconsistent" with its international humanitarian law obligations in its military campaign in Gaza, but found there was insufficient information to draw a firm conclusion in any specific instances, meaning American military aid could continue to flow to the country. The convoluted 46-page report concluded that assurances provided by Israel that it is not violating U.S. or international law were credible. The report also noted that Israel "has had to confront an extraordinary military challenge" and that Hamas has used the civilian population "as human shields." Friday's decision amounts to a stamp of approval on the legality of Israeli actions in Gaza. Moreover, the report summary says that the U.S. does not "currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or otherwise restricting the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance."
2024-05-12 00:00:00
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