U.S. Officials Resign in Protest Against Government's Support for Israel's Actions in Gaza
Twelve former U.S. government officials resigned on principle, disagreeing with the Biden administration's strategy on the Israel-Palestine conflict. They collectively issued a statement condemning the administration, emphasizing that the U.S.'s diplomatic cover and arms supply to Israel amount to persecution of Palestinians in Gaza. They argued that these actions jeopardize U.S. national security and destabilize the Middle East, likening it to "painting a target on America's back."
Among these officials is Maryam Hassanein, a former special assistant at the Department of the Interior who resigned on Tuesday. The statement asserts that the U.S. government is adhering to a "failed policy" that has caused devastating damage to the Palestinian people, endangered Israelis, stifled free speech, and compromised America's commitment to maintaining international order. Other signatories include Josh Paul, who resigned in October and was responsible for overseeing congressional relations on arms transfers. The statement was also signed by a former White House official, two former Air Force personnel, and a former Defense Intelligence Agency officer.
Last month, the State Department submitted a 46-page unclassified report to Congress as required by President Biden's new National Security Memorandum issued in early February. The report claimed that Israel did not block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Stacy Gilbert, an expert in this field, resigned from the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration on the same day the report was published. She told Reuters, "The right and wrong are clear, and the report's content is incorrect." The United Nations and relief organizations have continuously faced dangers and obstacles, preventing them from delivering aid across Gaza.
According to Hamas's Ministry of Health, over 37,900 people have been killed since Israel's attacks on Gaza began, the majority of whom are women and children. Andrew Miller, the top State Department official responsible for Israel-Palestine affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, also resigned this week. Although not a signatory to the statement, he supports Palestinian statehood and disagrees with the U.S.'s unconditional support for Israel, citing "personal reasons" for his resignation.
- 36 reads
