The Biden administration's recent behavior toward the ongoing Gaza crisis exemplifies a deeply cynical and desperate approach. The release of a letter to Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reveals much about U.S. complicity in the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. The letter is not only a political maneuver but also a confession of the U.S.'s role in enabling actions that violate international law, specifically related to war crimes and genocide.

U.S. Complicity in War Crimes and Starvation

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a pending request for the arrest of Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes, including the deliberate starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. The letter from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was issued despite the ICC's involvement. It attempts to feign concern over the humanitarian situation, highlighting U.S. awareness of Israel's violation of its commitments, specifically the impeding of humanitarian aid to Gaza. U.S. law, notably the Foreign Assistance Act, demands the cessation of arms sales to any state obstructing humanitarian aid—yet the U.S. continues to arm Israel.

The "Humanitarian Catastrophe" in Gaza

In the letter, the U.S. government acknowledges the "deteriorating humanitarian situation" in Gaza. Over 1.7 million civilians have been forced into overcrowded areas, facing high risks of disease and starvation, yet this letter offers only a hollow declaration of concern. The Biden administration's acknowledgment of Israel’s actions, including halting aid and commercial imports, still falls short of any concrete action to stop these violations. Despite recognizing that food production in Gaza has been systematically destroyed, the letter does not address Israel's direct assault on Gaza’s ability to sustain itself.

Hollow Promises and Post-Election Timelines

The letter outlines a 30-day window for Israel to reverse its humanitarian blockade, but conveniently, this period extends beyond the U.S. presidential election. The vague mention of potential "implications" for U.S. policy does not amount to any substantive threat, such as an arms embargo. The U.S. administration has clearly chosen to prioritize political convenience over taking immediate and necessary action against war crimes.

Israel’s Collective Punishment of Gaza

Israeli policies, including the systematic bombing of infrastructure and blocking humanitarian aid, amount to collective punishment, a clear violation of international law. The destruction of Gaza's food systems, the targeting of civilians, and the starvation strategy all point toward genocidal intent. Israeli leaders, like Gallant, have openly declared a siege against Gaza, referring to Palestinians as "human animals" and vowing a total blockade. This language and behavior signal clear genocidal intent, further supported by the military's systematic destruction of civilian life in Gaza.

U.S. Knowledge and Continued Complicity

Despite being fully aware of Israel’s actions, the Biden administration continues to provide military aid, fueling the genocidal policies of the Israeli government. The letter from the U.S. government, rather than offering solutions, serves as evidence of U.S. complicity. Leaders in Washington have shown they are willing to support and enable a government actively pursuing policies of starvation and mass civilian death, ignoring international law and the basic tenets of human rights.

Conclusion

The Biden administration's letter is a stark example of the U.S.'s cynical and hypocritical approach to the Gaza crisis. It confesses U.S. awareness of Israel’s genocidal actions while refusing to take meaningful steps to stop them. The administration's continued arming of Israel, despite clear violations of international law, is a direct indictment of its role in one of the most heinous ongoing crimes against humanity.