The Biden administration has announced that a joint U.S.-Israel panel will convene for the first time in early December to investigate reports of civilian casualties arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This timeline falls more than a month behind an earlier U.S. request for the panel to be formed by the end of October.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meeting follows extensive discussions between American and Israeli officials regarding specific events and claims of civilian casualties linked to U.S.-made or supplied weaponry. Miller explained that the purpose of this panel is to aid the State Department in evaluating the utilization of military equipment provided by the U.S. He elaborated that the goal is to collect information on incidents that have raised concerns or questions.
The insights obtained through this channel will play a crucial role in informing U.S. policies regarding any actions taken in response to possible breaches of international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict, which escalated following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza.
Experts have indicated that famine conditions may already be prevailing in northern Gaza, where a prolonged offensive by Israel has resulted in hundreds of fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents from their homes. In October, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously communicated with top Israeli leaders, warning that the U.S. might reconsider its military support to Israel if significant improvements in humanitarian conditions were not observed within a month.
That 30-day period has now lapsed without any new military assistance decisions being made, with officials stating that while some positive measures have been taken by Israel, these actions do not fully align with the expectations outlined in the letter. Aid organizations have pointed out that conditions in Gaza have reportedly worsened rather than improved, calling on the U.S. to take appropriate actions in response.
The recent theft of nearly 100 trucks filled with food and other essential supplies in Gaza over the weekend has led to soaring prices and widespread shortages in central Gaza, where a majority of the 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced and are living in overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps. Miller commented on these incidents, noting that they reflect a significant deterioration in law and order within Gaza and highlight the urgent need to cease hostilities and reestablish effective governance in the region.
“You cannot truly resolve this issue without bringing an end to the conflict and creating a new governance and security framework within Gaza,” he stated, emphasizing that addressing the root causes of the situation is vital for long-term resolution.