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US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that the United States is reviewing reports that Israel harmed civilians in its war in Gaza, relying on a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring that countries that obtain American weapons adhere to international humanitarian law in their military operations.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its continued supply of weapons to Israel, with increasing accusations that American-made weapons are being used in attacks that killed or injured civilians.
"We seek to fully evaluate reports of civilian harm at the hands of authorized recipients of defense equipment provided by the United States around the world," Miller said in a press conference.
Miller added that a process is underway under the State Department's Civilian Harm Response Guide to assess facts in the current conflict.
The guide was drawn up in August of last year, that is, a few weeks before the October 7 operation in southern Israel.
Health officials in Gaza said that the ensuing Israeli attack on the Strip led to the death of more than 28,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 68,000.
The guide outlines a process by which State Department officials investigate specific incidents in which civilians were potentially harmed by U.S. weapons.
Miller did not specify when the process began, nor did he mention the number of incidents being considered. But a source familiar with the process said: The ministry is looking into at least 50 reported incidents of civilian harm.
Miller said, "This operation is not intended to be a quick response mechanism... Rather, it is intended to conduct a systematic assessment of incidents of harm to civilians and develop appropriate responses to reduce the risk of such incidents recurring in the future and to have partners carry out military operations in accordance with international humanitarian law."
This process is separate from the assessments the State Department sometimes conducts to determine whether atrocities, such as crimes against humanity or even genocide, have been committed in a conflict.
Reuters reported earlier that Washington had opened a channel to receive answers from Israel regarding incidents in which civilians were killed or injured or civilian facilities were targeted.
So far, Washington has not said whether incidents like this could lead to restrictions on US aid, or any other action, if Israel is found guilty.
Last week, President Joe Biden issued a new national security memorandum requiring countries receiving US security assistance to provide assurances that they will abide by international law and will not restrict aid access during conflicts.
The memorandum also requires the Departments of State and Defense to report to Congress on whether US-financed weapons have been used in a manner inconsistent with international law or established best practices to prevent harm to civilians.
Reuters