US officials express concerns that Israel’s use of American arms may violate international law

Editor's Note: US officials will try to use plausible deniability. That's always their excuse! #genocide #crimesagainsthumanity #warcrimes

WASHINGTON, Sunday, April 28, 2024 (WAFA) – In an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, some senior US officials have cast doubt on Israel's assurances regarding the use of US-supplied weapons in compliance with international humanitarian law.

The memo, a joint submission from four key bureaus within the State Department, highlights "serious concern over non-compliance" with international humanitarian law during Israel's conduct of the Gaza war.

Under a National Security Memorandum issued by President Joe Biden in February, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is mandated to report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel's assurances regarding the lawful use of US weapons.

By March 24, at least seven State Department bureaus had contributed to an initial "options memo" to Blinken, parts of which were classified.

The submissions paint a complex picture of internal divisions within the State Department regarding Israel's compliance with international law. While some components favored accepting Israel's assurances, others favored rejecting them, and some took no definitive position.

The joint submission from four bureaus outlined concerns over Israel's actions during the aggression on Gaza, stating that Israel's assurances were deemed "neither credible nor reliable."

The memo cited multiple instances of Israeli military attacks raising "serious questions" about potential violations of international humanitarian law, including repeated strikes on protected sites and civilian infrastructure, high levels of civilian casualties disproportionate to military advantage, and attacks on humanitarian workers and journalists.

Furthermore, the memo details instances of Israeli military actions restricting humanitarian aid, including rejecting aid trucks and imposing artificial limitations on inspections.

These revelations come at a critical juncture as Israel plans a military offensive into Rafah, the southern pocket of the Gaza Strip, despite warnings from the international community.

M.N