U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the allegations surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza amidst its conflict with Hamas. Austin firmly stated that there is no evidence to support claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This statement came in response to disruptive protests and direct inquiries from senators, the public and the international community.
Austin emphasized the gravity of the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths and the capture of 240 hostages, labeling the assault as a war crime but not genocide. The Israeli retaliation has led to over 33,000 Palestinian deaths and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with South Africa petitioning the International Court of Justice to investigate these actions as genocide.
The Defense Secretary underlined the United States’ commitment to Israel’s defense while calling on the Israeli government to enhance efforts to protect Palestinian civilians and address their humanitarian needs significantly. He noted the strategic importance of providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, not as a concession, but as a necessity for long-term stability and peace in the region.
President Biden has echoed Austin’s sentiments, urging Israel to take greater steps to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate aid delivery into Gaza. Amidst these diplomatic pressures, Israel announced the opening of the Erez crossing for aid, a move seen as a step toward addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.
Senators from both parties raised concerns about the Palestinian civilian toll and the necessity of an Israeli invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, home to 1.4 million Palestinian refugees. Austin reassured that the U.S. military goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties in its operations and highlighted efforts to establish a pier in Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery by sea.
Amidst calls for a more substantial U.S. response to the conflict’s humanitarian aspects, Austin and other officials stress the importance of separating Palestinian civilians from Hamas operatives to prevent further violence and ensure long-term stability.
