A former senior U.S. State Department official has stated unequivocally that Israel has committed war crimes during its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, marking one of the strongest public rebukes from a former American diplomat since the conflict began. The statement, made by Josh Paul, who resigned from the State Department in 2023 over U.S. arms transfers to Israel, was delivered in a televised interview on June 3.
Paul, who formerly oversaw weapons sales at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, said there was “no doubt” that Israel’s conduct in Gaza violated international humanitarian law. “The repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure, indiscriminate bombing in densely populated areas, and blockade-driven starvation tactics constitute war crimes under international legal definitions,” he stated.
His comments come amid increasing scrutiny of Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The war began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Since then, Israel’s relentless air and ground operations have devastated vast areas of Gaza, prompting international outcry over the humanitarian toll.
Paul specifically criticized the U.S. government’s continued military support for Israel, despite mounting evidence of rights violations. “We cannot continue to supply weapons to a state that uses them in ways that breach the Geneva Conventions. It’s not only immoral — it’s illegal,” he said.
He also rejected Israeli claims that Hamas is solely to blame for civilian casualties due to its operations within populated areas. “Even if Hamas violates the laws of war, that does not absolve Israel of its own obligations under international law,” Paul said.
Israel has strongly denied accusations of war crimes, arguing that its military operations are targeted against Hamas militants and that it takes steps to avoid harming civilians, including issuing evacuation warnings. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas uses civilians as human shields, and thus bears responsibility for civilian deaths.
Paul’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing calls for independent investigations. Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have previously accused Israel of unlawful killings and collective punishment. The United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are both reviewing cases related to the conflict.
In Washington, however, the Biden administration has remained steadfast in its support for Israel. Despite internal dissent, including from congressional progressives and some administration staff, the U.S. continues to authorize military aid and arms shipments. The White House has reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself, while urging caution in military operations.
Paul’s resignation in 2023 drew widespread attention at the time, as he was one of the first senior U.S. officials to publicly oppose the administration’s Israel policy over ethical concerns. His latest comments, though made as a private citizen, are likely to intensify debate within the U.S. and internationally about accountability for the Gaza war.
Responding to Paul’s statements, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused him of repeating “one-sided narratives” and ignoring the complexity of urban warfare. “We regret that a former official would make such serious allegations without acknowledging the threats posed by terrorist organizations,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Palestinian officials welcomed the remarks as a validation of their long-standing claims. “It is time the world listens to voices of conscience and holds Israel accountable,” said Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian political leader.
As civilian suffering in Gaza continues and ceasefire efforts remain stalled, Paul’s warning adds to the growing chorus demanding a legal reckoning for wartime conduct. Whether that translates into concrete action remains to be seen, but his message is clear: accountability cannot be delayed without eroding the very foundation of international law.
Source; Al Jazeera
