- President Joe Biden says he will not supply offensive weapons that Israel could use to launch an all-out assault on Rafah in the toughest public comments yet about the widely condemned military operation.
- “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centres,” Biden said in an interview when asked about 2,000-pound (900kg) bombs sent by the US to Israel.
- Tens of thousands of displaced, terrified and exhausted Palestinians pack up their belongings and flee Rafah as Hamas-Israel fighting intensifies in the eastern area of the overcrowded city and as aid organisations warn of a looming “catastrophe”.
- US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says Hamas and Israel are not far apart on a ceasefire and “they should do what they can to get to a deal”.
- At least 34,844 people have been killed and 78,404 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139 with dozens of people still held captive.
President Biden’s acknowledgment that Israel used U.S.-supplied munitions in military operations that resulted in civilian casualties reflects a candid acknowledgment of the complexities and challenges inherent in the U.S.-Israel relationship, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By openly acknowledging this fact, President Biden is demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as a recognition of the need to address the humanitarian consequences of military actions in the region.
The admission underscores the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and principles of proportionality and distinction in armed conflict. It also highlights the need for robust oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that U.S. arms sales and military assistance are not used in violation of human rights or international law.
Furthermore, President Biden’s acknowledgment may signal a willingness to reevaluate U.S. policies and practices regarding arms sales and military assistance to foreign governments, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This could involve greater scrutiny of arms transfers, enhanced human rights conditions on military aid, and increased diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in areas of conflict.
Overall, President Biden’s admission underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of arms sales and military assistance to allied countries like Israel. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of conflict and promote a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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