The United States has issued a report expressing apprehensions regarding Israel's potential use of American-supplied weapons in a manner inconsistent with international humanitarian law during the Gaza conflict.

 

US Assessment:

The US State Department stated that it is "reasonable to assess" that certain arms provided by the US may have been used by Israel in ways contrary to its obligations under international humanitarian law. However, it acknowledged the lack of complete information in its evaluation and indicated that shipments of arms to Israel may continue.

 

Review Background:

This report was submitted to Congress after undergoing a review ordered by the White House. The review examined the utilization of US-supplied arms by seven countries, including Israel, since the beginning of the previous year.

 

Evaluation of Israeli Operations:

While the report criticized some of Israel's actions in Gaza, it refrained from definitively stating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had violated international law. It recognized Israel's confrontation with significant military challenges posed by Hamas in Gaza and deemed Israel's assurances regarding the lawful use of US weapons as "credible and reliable".

 

Challenges Faced:

Acknowledging the complexities of the conflict zone, where Hamas utilizes civilian infrastructure for military purposes, the report highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing legitimate targets. It emphasized the need for Israel to implement best practices to minimize civilian harm effectively.

 

Criticism and Concerns:

The report cited concerns raised by the UN and humanitarian organizations regarding Israel's efforts to mitigate civilian harm, describing them as inconsistent and inadequate. It also noted Israel's initial lack of full cooperation with US efforts to maximize humanitarian aid into Gaza during the conflict's early stages.

 

Ongoing Monitoring:

David Satterfield, a contributor to the report, emphasized that the US would continue to monitor Israeli actions closely. He underscored the unprecedented nature of the conflict and the importance of providing a candid yet credible assessment.

 

Response and Developments:

The report's release followed US President Joe Biden's warning to withhold certain military supplies from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected these warnings and vowed to proceed with military operations in Rafah, Gaza. The conflict has led to mass displacement and heightened tensions in the region.

 

Conclusion:

The report signals a critical examination of Israel's use of American-supplied arms during the Gaza conflict, highlighting the need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the mitigation of civilian harm. As the situation evolves, continued monitoring and diplomatic efforts remain crucial to address the complexities of the conflict and promote stability in the region.