The US ‘not seeing acts of genocide’ in Gaza, State Dept says
WASHINGTON – The US State Department has stated that it has not observed any acts in Gaza that constitute genocide, following South Africa’s launch of genocide proceedings against Israel’s military operation in the Palestinian enclave. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the announcement at a regular news briefing, emphasizing that those are allegations that should not be made lightly … we are not seeing any acts that constitute genocide. The World Court has scheduled public hearings on January 11 and 12 to address South Africa’s request for an urgent order declaring Israel in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Responding to the accusations, Miller added that the State Department does not have any assessment to share regarding war crimes or crimes against humanity at this time. This comes after Washington criticized two Israeli ministers for advocating the resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza. However, US officials have stated that Israel assured them these statements do not reflect the country’s official policy.
Israel has defended itself against the charges, calling them baseless. The Israeli government claims that Hamas is using Palestinians as human shields and stealing aid from them, accusations that Hamas denies. The conflict, triggered by a cross-border Hamas assault on Israeli towns, has resulted in the deaths of more than 22,000 Palestinians and a humanitarian crisis for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza.
As the court hearings approach, the international community is closely watching the developments. Both Israel and South Africa are expected to present their arguments, shedding light on the situation in Gaza. The US, as a key ally of Israel, has faced increasing pressure to take a more significant role in protecting civilians amid the ongoing conflict. As the conflict continues, the world waits to see if the accusations of genocide will be substantiated and how the international community will respond.
In the meantime, humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent action to address the dire conditions in Gaza. The Gaza health ministry has reported a total death toll of 22,313 Palestinians as a result of Israel’s offensive. Concerns about the well-being and safety of civilians, especially in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation, remain at the forefront of the global conversation.
It is crucial to note that the State Department’s announcement serves as an official US government stance on the matter, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. As discussions and debates continue, stakeholders and world leaders are working towards a resolution that respects the rights and lives of individuals affected by the conflict while addressing the larger geopolitical dynamics at play.
