US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) meets with the families of hostages kidnapped by Palestinian militants during the Oct. 7 attacks, as they gather outside a hotel in Tel Aviv on May 1, 2024. (Credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/AFP)
The anticipated release of the Biden administration's report assessing potential violations by Israel of US and international humanitarian law amid its war in Gaza has encountered a delay. Originally slated for release on Wednesday, three Senate aides and a House aide told Politico that the report's publication has been postponed.
The State Department has been diligently crafting a report for months, assessing whether Israel has breached international humanitarian law during the Gaza conflict. This report holds significant weight, as any determination of violation could lead to a cessation of military aid from the US.
While the Biden administration has not provided a clear reason for the delay, an email notification to Congress acknowledges the postponement without specifying a new timeline. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned on Tuesday that the report wasn't finalized but expressed efforts to meet the deadline, albeit acknowledging the possibility of a slight delay.
An anonymous senior administration official revealed that the reports release might be extended by less than a week, while inquiries about the extended timeline directed to the National Security Council and State Department await responses.
The delay coincides with intensified Israeli attacks on the Gaza city of Rafah, raising concerns among aid groups about the safety of the civilian population and the continuity of humanitarian operations. President Biden has cautioned against any significant Israeli military operation in Rafah without adequate measures to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, criticism mounts within Democrat Party circles, with some advocating for conditioning assistance to Israel. Recent actions include letters from Democrat lawmakers urging the administration to reconsider military aid in light of potential humanitarian repercussions in Gaza.
Former State Department officials have resigned in protest against what they perceive as a failed policy in addressing the Gaza conflict. The delay in the report's release underscores the growing scrutiny and pressure on the Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Palestine issue.