As the war enters its ninth month, international condemnation of Israel’s systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and the high number of civilian casualties, aided by US military and diplomatic support, has reached a crescendo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest accusation of the United States withholding weapons, aimed at pressuring increased military assistance, has further highlighted the deeply troubling nature of the ongoing crisis.
In a video statement released on Tuesday, Netanyahu lashed out at the Biden administration for allegedly holding back weapons supplies, claiming it was slowing down Israel’s military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the fighting has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation for Palestinians. However, US officials have refuted these claims, stating that only certain types of heavy bombs have been under review due to concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas.
The Israeli government’s accusations, coupled with its continued offensive despite overwhelming evidence of civilian casualties, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. The United Nations’ highest court has warned of a “possible genocide” in Gaza, a charge vehemently denied by Israel, which instead blames Hamas for using civilians as human shields.
The US, too, has been criticized for its unwavering support for Israel, despite its role in facilitating the sale of billions of dollars’ worth of weapons to the Jewish state. The recent approval by US Congress of a $15 billion deal to sell F-15 fighter jets to Israel, despite questions raised about Israel’s use of US-supplied weapons in Gaza, has further underscored Washington’s willingness to prioritize strategic interests over international law and humanitarian concerns.
The impasse in ceasefire negotiations, with both Israel and Hamas refusing to fully back a US-brokered plan that would see hostages released and pave the way for an end to the war, has left civilians in Gaza facing a dire humanitarian crisis. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 37,100 people has been killed, with no distinction made between combatants and civilians. The war has largely cut off food, medicine, and other essential supplies, leaving Palestinians facing widespread hunger and deprivation.
It is clear that both Israel and the US must be held accountable for their roles in the suffering and destruction being inflicted on the Palestinian people. The international community must redouble its efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are brought to justice.
