Washington, D.C. — Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a report today that criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza. However, the report stopped short of finding that Israel violated the conditions for its use of U.S. weapons. Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress (CAP), expressed his disappointment with this conclusion.
Gaspard stated, "It’s hard to believe that the administration sees what’s happening in Gaza yet fails to conclude that Israel has violated the terms for use of American weapons. There is overwhelming evidence that Israeli forces have violated international law through indiscriminate bombing that has killed thousands of civilians." He further criticized the Netanyahu government for repeatedly impeding the flow of aid, thereby provoking a humanitarian crisis.
He also acknowledged President Joe Biden's decision to withhold lethal weapons but emphasized that such decisions should not be made on an ad hoc basis. Gaspard argued, "The administration must ensure this decision is made in accordance with its own policies and U.S. law—including clear requirements to withhold lethal aid from partners that violate international law."
Gaspard stressed that millions of lives in Gaza, the safety of hostages, and hopes for regional peace depend on the strength of the administration’s commitment to restrict the transfer of lethal weapons.
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