Biden Administration to Assess Israeli Actions in Gaza Amid Concerns Over Humanitarian Law Violations
The Biden administration is poised to provide U.S. lawmakers with a report, possibly as soon as Wednesday, evaluating whether Israel’s actions in Gaza contravene international humanitarian law or impede aid deliveries to the region. This assessment, mandated by a National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) issued by President Joe Biden in February, aims to address concerns over the use of U.S.-supplied weapons by Israel in its operations against the Palestinian enclave.
The NSM-20 requires the State Department to report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances that its utilization of U.S. weaponry complies with both U.S. and international legal standards. While the administration had initially aimed to meet this deadline, it has informed congressional committees that it may require additional time to finalize its findings, although it hopes to present them in the coming days. Notably, there are no indications that this delay is driven by political considerations.
Amid growing skepticism regarding Israel’s adherence to international law, particularly in the context of recent reports and investigations by organizations like Amnesty International, some lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to ensure the credibility and impartiality of its assessment. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized the importance of a fact-based and legally sound report, urging the administration to avoid bias in its findings.
The provision of military aid to Israel has been a contentious issue in the United States, prompting calls for a reassessment of Washington’s longstanding policy of unconditional support for the Israeli government. Demonstrations across the country have demanded that universities and the Biden administration withdraw support for Israel, including the provision of weaponry used in conflicts.
In response to these concerns, sources have indicated that the Biden administration has delayed certain arms shipments to Israel, potentially signaling a shift in its approach and sending a political message to its Middle Eastern ally. While the State Department has acknowledged the delay in finalizing the NSM-20 report, it has affirmed its commitment to completing the assessment promptly, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the memorandum’s directives.
Crucially, the NSM-20 prohibits recipients of U.S. military assistance from impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid, underscoring the imperative of ensuring access to essential resources in conflict-affected regions like Gaza. Against the backdrop of mounting humanitarian crises and calls for restraint in military operations, the deadline for the report coincides with international appeals for Israel to refrain from launching large-scale offensives in densely populated areas like Rafah, which is home to displaced Palestinian civilians.
As the Biden administration navigates the complexities of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the NSM-20 report represents a critical opportunity to assess Israel’s compliance with international legal norms and humanitarian obligations. The findings of this assessment are poised to shape diplomatic engagements, congressional oversight, and public perceptions of U.S. support for Israel, underscoring the significance of a thorough and impartial evaluation of the situation in Gaza.
