US Rebuffs UN and HRW Allegations Against Israel

The United States has dismissed claims by a UN committee and Human Rights Watch (HRW) that Israel's military actions in Gaza amount to genocide and war crimes. These allegations arose from Israel's military response following an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a significant military campaign in Gaza, reportedly causing over 43,700 Palestinian deaths, though these figures cannot be independently confirmed.

US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel criticized the UN report, arguing that the accusations of genocide and using starvation as a war tactic are unfounded. Patel also contested HRW's assertion that Israel is committing war crimes through forced displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing that the US does not view the evacuation of civilians during military operations as forced displacement.

The UN report urged international intervention to stop the violence, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite this, the US maintains its stance against the allegations, with officials like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders pressing the Biden administration to address the humanitarian situation more assertively.

The ongoing conflict, which has displaced millions and devastated Gaza, has prompted calls for accountability and action from various international bodies. However, the US continues to support Israel, challenging reports that depict Israel's actions as war crimes. The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts struggling to gain traction amidst the complex geopolitical landscape.