A coalition of press freedom, civil liberties, and human rights organizations sent a letter to the White House urging the Biden administration to release a report on whether countries receiving U.S. military aid, including Israel, have violated international humanitarian laws. The report was requested by members of Congress concerned about Israel’s actions in Gaza and requires federal agencies to assess compliance with the law. While the deadline for the report was initially set for May 8, it is unclear if it will be ready in time. The signatories of the letter emphasized the importance of transparency in the process and called for the report to be made public.
The letter was signed by organizations such as Amnesty International USA, Defending Rights & Dissent, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, and Reporters Without Borders, among others. They highlighted the public and press’s interest in understanding the U.S. assessment of countries receiving military aid, especially in conflict zones. The signatories urged the Biden administration to fulfill its commitment to transparency by releasing the report to Congress, the press, and the public. The White House and National Security Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while the State Department referred inquiries back to the White House.
Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza has been mounting both domestically and internationally. Lawmakers and human rights activists are concerned about potential war crimes committed by the Israeli government as it continues its offensive in Gaza, despite calls for a cease-fire. An independent expert analysis endorsed by Sen. Chris Van Hollen found evidence of violations of international law and restrictions on humanitarian assistance. The upcoming report on compliance with humanitarian laws could shape the Biden administration’s future stance on supporting Israel and its military actions in Gaza.
Access to the report is seen as crucial for journalists and the public to evaluate the U.S. government’s response to allegations of violations of international and U.S. laws by countries receiving military aid. Amnesty International accused Israel of breaking the law in a brief published in April, and Sen. Van Hollen emphasized the importance of consistency in responding to reports by human rights organizations. Making the upcoming report public would allow for a comparison between the U.S. assessment and the claims made by organizations like Amnesty International, contributing to transparency and credibility in the administration’s response to alleged violations.
The Biden administration faces a critical decision in releasing the report and addressing concerns about violations of international humanitarian laws by countries receiving U.S. military aid. The report’s findings could impact the administration’s support for Israel and its actions in Gaza, potentially leading to a shift in policy or reinforcing perceptions of the administration’s inability to restrain its Middle Eastern ally. The release of the report to the public would provide insight into the U.S. government’s assessment of compliance with international laws and standards, allowing for scrutiny and accountability in its foreign policy decisions.
