Blinken addresses State Department criticism over war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to address criticism in some quarters of the State Department over the Biden administration’s stance on the war in an email to diplomats.

"I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll," Blinken said in the letter according to several US media outlets.

"The anguish that comes with seeing the daily images of babies, children, elderly people, women, and other civilians suffering in this crisis is wrenching. I feel it myself," he said.

Blinken was responding to a wave of criticism amongst some diplomats over the Biden administration’s unconditional support for Israel. Middle East Eye reported last month that State Department officials were preparing dissent cables to protest the administration’s stance.

”I also know that some people in the Department may disagree with approaches we are taking or have views on what we can do better,” Blinken said, adding that the State Department had organised forums in Washington and posts around the world for “candid discussions”.

“We’re listening: what you share is informing our policy and our messages,” he said.

The Biden administration has shifted its tone on civilian casualties, Middle East Eye has previously reported, but continues to provide military support to Israel with no conditions, according to US officials.