On June 8th, the world witnessed yet another devastating massacre in Gaza. The Israeli assault on the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in the slaughter of at least 274 people, including 64 children, and left over 700 injured.
The attack was reportedly initiated to retrieve four captives held by Palestinian groups. Recent reports and videos reveal that Israeli forces used vehicles disguised as humanitarian aid trucks and furniture moving lorries which were part of a covert operation to retrieve captives in Gaza. This tactic not only violates international law but also constitutes a war crime, as it exploits the trust and safety associated with humanitarian aid to conduct military operations. This brutal assault is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people.
The role of the United States in this massacre cannot be ignored. Reports indicate that Israeli and US military and intelligence officials created a joint fusion cell to collaborate and share satellite images and communications monitoring to pinpoint the captives’ locations. Moreover, US-made bombs were utilized in the attack on Nuseirat. This implicates the US not just as a passive ally but as an active participant in the massacre. Executive Order 12333, which governs United States intelligence activities, includes a prohibition in Section 2.11 against “[Any} person employed by or acting on behalf of the United States Government engag[ing] in or conspire to engage in assassination” This order is meant to ensure that U.S. intelligence operations adhere to ethical standards and international law. Additionally, Section 3.1 of the same order mandates Congressional oversight, requiring Congress to exercise its intelligence oversight responsibilities to ensure transparency and accountability in these activities.
The use of American intelligence and weapons in such an atrocity underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of US foreign aid and military support to Israel. By continuing to supply military and financial aid, the US is directly contributing to the cycle of violence and bolstering occupation of Palestine. The international community, particularly the US, must take immediate steps to halt military aid to Israel and support efforts to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.
Furthermore, it’s crucial for us to demand a thorough investigation into how US intelligence and weapons are directly responsible for such attacks. We, the American people, have a right to know precisely how our tax dollars are being spent and to understand the extent of our government’s involvement in international human rights violations. It is imperative that Congress exercises their constitutionally-mandated oversight to prevent abuses of power and to uphold international law and human rights standards. Transparency in these matters is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, ensuring that the actions taken in the name of national security do not contribute to international instability or human suffering.
The situation in Gaza is dire, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and the destruction of infrastructure has left an entire population of two million without access to basic necessities. The massacre at Nuseirat is a crucial reminder of the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. MPAC reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people and calls on the international community to stand against the ongoing colonization and violence being perpetrated by Israel. It is time to hold those responsible accountable and to work towards a future where Palestinians can live in peace and security.
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