‘No concern for Palestinian suffering : Ex-official slams US’s Gaza policy

A former US diplomat, Mike Casey, has criticised the Biden administration’s policy on Gaza, accusing it of ignoring the plight of Palestinians during Israel’s ongoing military operations. Casey, who resigned as deputy political counsellor at the US Office of Palestinian Affairs in July, described his tenure in Jerusalem as humiliating due to the US’s unrelenting support for Israel.

“It’s frankly embarrassing … to see just the way we give in to the demands of the Israeli government and continue to support what the Israeli government is doing even though we know it’s wrong,” Casey told Al Jazeera.

Casey’s resignation comes amidst widespread criticism of President Joe Biden’s unwavering military and diplomatic backing for Israel since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023. More than 45,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, with the region facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

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Despite accusations of war crimes, including genocide, against the Israeli military by human rights groups and the UN, the US has continued to provide military aid. Biden has rejected calls to halt US weapons transfers to Israel, which receives $3.8 billion annually in American assistance. Researchers estimate an additional $17.9 billion has been allocated since the war began.

While the Biden administration claims to be advocating for a ceasefire and urging Israel to minimise civilian casualties, critics argue that its actions tell a different story. Advocates have even dubbed the president “Genocide Joe” for what they see as complicity in the devastation.

In his role, Casey focused on documenting Gaza’s humanitarian and political situation. He resigned after witnessing the US government’s failure to leverage its influence to address the crisis, saying, “We are enabling this tragedy.”

Casey’s resignation highlights growing discontent among US officials and global observers over the US’s handling of the Gaza crisis. As the conflict continues, calls for a shift in American foreign policy and a stronger emphasis on human rights are likely to intensify.

Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar Editor at Neptune Prime 

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