‘It is unconscionable that the Biden administration continues to ignore the facts on the ground to avoid implementing US law and keep the weapons flowing’ - Paul O’Brien

In response to US Secretary of State Blinken’s confirmation today that the Government of Israel will not face any policy consequences for blocking humanitarian assistance into the occupied Gaza Strip, Paul O’Brien, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director, said:

“For over a year, the humanitarian catastrophe - including the spread of severe hunger and disease - due to Israel's blocking of humanitarian access and other conduct in the occupied Gaza Strip has been abundantly clear, and is getting worse.

“Instead of taking action as required by US and international law, the Biden administration watched the humanitarian situation continue to worsen, while the weapons kept flowing to the Israeli government. Now, they have said they plan to continue this disastrous approach.

“It is unconscionable that the Biden administration continues to ignore the facts on the ground to avoid implementing US law and keep the weapons flowing.

“US and international law are clear that that the US must suspend the transfer of weapons until the Government of Israel is not violating international humanitarian and human rights law.

“The Biden administration has consistently failed to uphold human rights in its foreign policy. Congress must assert its oversight power and take action. Senators will have a critical opportunity in the coming days. Amnesty International urges all Senators to vote in favour of the joint resolutions of disapproval to block specific weapons sales to the Israeli government.”