What's happened
Matthew Miller, former spokesperson for the Biden administration, stated on a podcast that Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza, marking a significant shift from his previous defense of Israeli actions. He emphasized internal disagreements within the administration regarding the U.S. response to the conflict, which has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Shift in Narrative: Miller's admission represents a notable departure from the Biden administration's previous stance, which largely defended Israeli actions despite rising civilian casualties.
- Internal Tensions: His comments reveal significant disagreements within the Biden administration regarding how to handle Israel, particularly concerning military aid and pressure to cease hostilities.
- War Crimes Definition: Miller distinguishes between state policy and individual actions, suggesting that while Israel may not have a deliberate policy of war crimes, individual military actions have crossed legal boundaries.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: The U.S. response, including arms shipments and public discourse, has influenced Hamas's strategy, complicating ceasefire negotiations.
- Future Implications: The acknowledgment of war crimes could lead to increased scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy in the region and may affect future military aid to Israel.
What the papers say
Matthew Miller's comments on Sky News mark a significant acknowledgment of Israel's actions in Gaza. He stated, "It is without a doubt true that Israel has committed war crimes," while clarifying that he does not believe genocide is occurring (Al Jazeera). This contrasts with his previous defense of Israeli policies during his tenure, where he faced criticism for his responses to civilian casualties (The New Arab). Miller highlighted internal disagreements within the Biden administration, particularly regarding military aid and the pressure on Israel to cease hostilities, stating, "There were disagreements all along the way about how to handle policy" (The Times of Israel). His insights suggest a complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy and the realities on the ground in Gaza.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, leading to a military offensive in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with high civilian casualties and widespread displacement.
Go deeper
- What specific war crimes did Miller mention?
- How has the Biden administration responded to these claims?
- What are the implications for U.S.-Israel relations?
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More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Gaza may refer to: