Jalil Afridi
Washington DC: At a recent press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend aid to Israel, citing the country’s independent assessment of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As violence escalates, Miller expressed concern, stating, “The world cannot afford this any longer,” and emphasized the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution.
Miller confirmed that the UK informed the U.S. of its decision ahead of time, adding that while the two nations share common values, the U.S. conducts its assessments based on its own laws and processes. He highlighted that several investigations are underway to determine whether Israel has violated international human rights laws, though he noted that, to date, no violations have been conclusively established by the U.S. government.
The suspension of aid by the UK has raised questions about whether the U.S. might consider a similar course of action. Miller maintained that the U.S. is not a direct party to the conflict and reiterated the stance that both Hamas and Israel must work towards a negotiated peace deal. He underscored that the release of hostages could be a critical step towards ending the hostilities.
Discussions involving the CIA, Secretary of State, and the White House with their counterparts underscore the gravity of the situation, as the U.S. plans another push for a peace agreement in the coming week. Meanwhile, General Patrick of the Pentagon echoed Miller’s statements, affirming that the UK’s decision to suspend aid reflects their independent assessment, while the U.S. has yet to conclude that Israel has breached any international human rights laws.
During the briefing, Pentagon spokesperson, General Patrick Ryder also addressed related issues, including the recent attack on two U.S. marines in Turkey, assuring that both marines are safe and that Turkish authorities are investigating the incident. When pressed on the potential provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, the Pentagon spokesperson stated that discussions are ongoing but did not provide specific timelines, underscoring the complexities of U.S. defense commitments amid the broader geopolitical landscape.
As global scrutiny intensifies, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to reconsider its stance on military aid to Israel, with advocates urging a reassessment in line with international norms and humanitarian considerations.
