As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib had harsh words for Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accusing him of hypocrisy for commemorating the milestone while the United States continues to supply Israel with weapons used in its ongoing assault on Gaza. Tlaib’s criticism underscores the growing dissonance between U.S. rhetoric on international humanitarian law and its actions that many argue contribute to violations of those very laws.
On Monday, Blinken posted on social media, “The United States reaffirms our steadfast commitment to respecting international humanitarian law and mitigating suffering in armed conflict. We call on others to do the same.” The statement, intended to honor the Geneva Conventions, quickly drew fire from Tlaib and other critics who see the U.S.’s support for Israel’s military actions as a blatant contradiction of its professed values.
“Is this a joke?” Tlaib responded early Tuesday. “You supported sending more U.S.-made bombs being used to commit war crimes. The government of Israel bombed hospitals, schools, and tents full of displaced Palestinians. How can you say you are for respecting international human rights laws?”
Tlaib’s scathing remarks come against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel, the Israeli military has conducted extensive airstrikes across Gaza, targeting what it claims are Hamas military sites. However, reports from international organizations and media have highlighted the significant civilian toll, including the bombing of hospitals, schools, and residential areas.
The Geneva Conventions, established in 1949, are a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, designed to protect civilians and those no longer taking part in hostilities, such as wounded soldiers and prisoners of war. They include explicit prohibitions against targeting civilian infrastructure like hospitals and mandate that occupying powers provide necessary supplies, such as food and medical aid, to civilians. Despite these protections, the situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with reports of famine spreading across the territory due to severe restrictions on the flow of goods and aid.
Tlaib’s criticism of Blinken highlights a broader frustration with the Biden administration’s policies towards Israel. Just days before Blinken’s remarks, the administration approved $3.5 billion in new military funds for Israel, alongside additional weapons shipments. These funds are part of a long-standing U.S. policy of military support for Israel, which has provided 69% of the country’s weapons imports between 2019 and 2023. Critics argue that this support directly enables the violations of international law occurring in Gaza.
Amnesty International USA has also weighed in, with a report shared by Tlaib detailing how U.S. weapons sent to Israel have been used in ways that violate both international and U.S. law. The report calls for an “immediate suspension” of weapons transfers to Israel, a demand that has gained traction among human rights advocates and some progressive lawmakers.
Tlaib is not alone in her condemnation. Human rights lawyer Mai El-Sadany responded to Blinken’s commemoration of the Geneva Conventions with a blunt assessment: “Irony is dead. If the U.S. cared anything for the Geneva Conventions, it would not be choosing active complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity every day for the last 10 months.” El-Sadany’s remarks reflect a widespread sentiment among critics that the U.S. is undermining international humanitarian law by continuing to support Israel’s military actions without holding it accountable for civilian casualties.
Rutgers Law professor Adil Haque added his voice to the chorus of criticism, stating, “The rest of the world has spent the last 10 months defending international humanitarian law from us.” Haque’s comment points to the growing disconnect between the U.S.’s self-image as a defender of human rights and the reality of its foreign policy decisions.
The situation in Gaza has only intensified scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy, particularly as it relates to the application of the Geneva Conventions. The Biden administration has thus far refused to definitively state whether the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in occupied territories, applies to Israeli actions in the West Bank, including the construction of settlements widely considered illegal under international law.
Tlaib’s rebuke of Blinken also shines a light on the broader implications of U.S. actions in the Middle East. By continuing to provide military support to Israel, the U.S. is not only fueling the ongoing conflict in Gaza but is also contributing to the erosion of international norms that have governed the conduct of war for decades. This erosion has global implications, as it sets a dangerous precedent for other conflicts around the world.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports of systematic abuse of Palestinians in Israeli custody, including rape and other forms of violence. These reports, coupled with the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, have led many to accuse Israel of committing war crimes—a charge that Tlaib and other critics argue the U.S. is complicit in by continuing its military support.
Adil Haque concluded: “The rest of the world has spent the last 10 months defending international humanitarian law from us.”
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