The US Secretary of State rejects the idea that the US government may have a “double standard” in applying US law to alleged human rights abuses by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, while rejecting such charges. indicated that an investigation is underway.
“In general, when we consider human rights and human rights situations around the world, we apply the same standards to everyone, whether that country is an adversary, a competitor, a friend, or an ally. ,” Antony Blinken said at a press conference announcing the department’s annual human rights country report.
Blinken said there is an ongoing process to investigate cases brought forward regarding “violations of international humanitarian law, violations of rights.” He did not say when these processes would result in a final evaluation.
Israeli forces have killed 34,000 Palestinians in besieged Gaza, many of them civilians and children, according to the enclave’s health authorities, prompting increased scrutiny of Israeli military operations. . Gaza has turned into a wasteland, and severe food shortages are raising fears of starvation.
Rights groups have reported numerous incidents of civilian casualties during Israeli military offensives in the Gaza Strip, and have also sounded the alarm about escalating violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. . Palestinian Ministry of Health records show that Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 460 Palestinians. Since the Hamas attack on October 7th.
In its 2023 human rights report on Israel, the State Department said the war with Hamas has had a “significant negative impact” on Israel’s human rights record, including arbitrary or unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, torture, etc. referred to allegations in a number of cases. Especially the unjust arrest of journalists.
But the Biden administration has so far said it has not found that Israel has violated international law.
Advocates have raised questions about double standards, saying Washington has been quick to condemn Russia’s actions in the invasion of Ukraine, for example, but the Biden administration has been careful not to go too far in criticizing Israel.
Blinken responded to the criticism Monday, saying, “Do we have a double standard?” The answer is no. “
Washington gives Israel $3.8 billion in annual military aid. Some Democrats and Arab American groups have criticized the Biden administration’s staunch support for Israel, arguing it gives the administration a sense of impunity.
President Joe Biden threatened for the first time this month to make conditions on aid to Israel, insisting that concrete steps be taken to protect humanitarian workers and civilians.
Israel has denied allegations that it intentionally caused humanitarian suffering in Gaza. It denies intentionally targeting civilians and accuses Hamas of using residential buildings as hiding places. Hamas denies this.
