US State Department Condemns Human Rights Abuses in Israel-Hamas Conflict; Thousands of Palestinians Killed, Humanitarian Crisis Ensues
The US State Department released its annual human rights report, stating that the Israel-Hamas conflict caused a significant negative impact on human rights in Gaza.
The conflict resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and a humanitarian crisis.
The report highlighted issues such as arbitrary killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and unjustified arrests, including journalists.
The Israeli government has taken steps to identify and punish officials involved in these abuses.
Israel's military actions in Gaza have faced intense criticism after the deaths of 34,000 Palestinians, including many civilians and children, according to Gaza's health authorities.
The Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip has been severely damaged, and food shortages have raised concerns of famine.
Israel initiated its offensive in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, according to Israel.
Human rights groups have reported numerous incidents of civilian harm during the Israeli army's operation in Gaza and have expressed alarm over rising violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where at least 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October.
The Biden administration has not yet found Israel in violation of international law, despite criticism from leftist Democrats and Arab American groups over the US's unwavering support for Israel.
The US provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid.
In a recent development, President Biden threatened to withhold support if Israel fails to protect humanitarian aid workers and civilians.