As the Israel-Gaza conflict garners global attention, US Vice President Kamala Harris has come forward to clarify the United States’ position. In an interview with CBS on Sunday, she asserted that the US is offering Israel only advice, equipment, and diplomatic support, ruling out the involvement of US troops.
In the current conflict, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that the war with Hamas has entered its second stage. This has brought the US policy regarding the dispute into sharper focus. Harris reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence against a terrorist organisation like Hamas, but also cautioned against conflating Hamas with the Palestinians, who deserve equal measures of safety, security, self-determination, and dignity.
The Vice President made it clear that the United States has no intention or plans to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza. The aim of the US is to prevent further escalation of the conflict, though Harris acknowledged this has been challenging.
Last week, the US targeted facilities in Syria connected to Iran, following a series of attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria. However, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and President Joe Biden have both denied any link between these strikes and the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite allegations that they were triggered by Washington’s stance on the war.
Despite the consensus at the White House, there are signs of discontent within Washington’s diplomatic circles. Democrats seeking a ceasefire are reportedly frustrated over Biden’s unwavering support for Israel amidst its blockade and bombardment of Gaza. In response, US diplomats are preparing a “dissent cable” to present to State Department leaders, voicing their criticism of Washington’s policy.
In a significant development, State Department official Josh Paul resigned last week, citing the Biden administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war as his reason. He strongly condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel but questioned the response of Israel and the American support it received, believing it would only lead to more suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Adding to the discontent, an unclassified diplomatic cable from the US Office of Palestinians Affairs in Jerusalem has warned the White House about the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza and called for action. However, Biden’s doubts over the casualty figures reported in Gaza have fuelled further dissent regarding the US’s humanitarian response.
Amidst growing criticism, the Biden administration appears to be responding. According to the Washington Post, Washington put pressure on the Israeli government to restore communication channels. Biden has also called for accelerated humanitarian assistance to Gaza in phone calls with the leaders of Israel and Egypt. He reiterated Israel’s right to defend its citizens and the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, which prioritises the protection of civilians.
However, as humanitarian aid trickles into Gaza via the Rafah crossing run by Egypt, the UN and other agencies warn that the current flow of aid to the 2.3 million people in Gaza is still insufficient.
