State Department dissent cable accuses Israel of war crimes

A State Department dissent cable has accused Israel of committing "war crimes" in Gaza and slammed US President Joe Biden for "spreading misinformation" on the Israel-Palestine war.

The cable, first reported by Axios, was sent to the State Department’s policy office on 3 November. It was signed by 100 State Department and USAID employees, who urged the administration to reassess their policy toward Israel and demand a ceasefire to the war.

“Members of the White House and (the National Security Council) displayed a clear disregard for the lives of Palestinians, a documented unwillingness to de-escalate, and, even prior to October 7, a reckless lack of strategic foresight,” the authors said, taking a broad swipe at the Biden administration.

The authors alleged the US "doubled down on our unwavering military assistance" to Israel without imposing "clear or actionable redlines," as Israel engaged in actions that constitute "war crimes and/or crimes against humanity under international law."

Middle East Eye first reported how State Department officials were drafting dissent cables amid frustration with the Biden administration’s unconditional support for Israel.

The draft MEE exclusively reported on 25 October called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and implored Washington to promote truthful and balanced public messaging towards resolving the war.

The 3 November memo was harsher in tone and also criticised Biden for "questioning the number of deaths" in Gaza.

Biden suggested last month that the death toll reported by Palestinian health officials in Gaza was not reliable. However, senior US officials have since backtracked.

Last week, the State Department's top Middle East official said on Wednesday that deaths in the Gaza Strip could likely be higher than are being reported.