Rights groups are urging US President Joe Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel following the International Court of Justice’s order to halt Israel’s ground offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah. The United States has been under pressure to suspend military assistance to Israel as the Palestinian death toll rises.
Despite public opposition to Israel’s offensive in Rafah, Biden has refrained from using leverage to enforce the halt. Sarah Leah Whitson from Democracy for the Arab World Now called for an arms embargo on Israel, warning of complicity in genocide. The ICJ’s order stated Israel must immediately cease its military operation and allow aid into Rafah.
The ruling did not determine genocide in Gaza but opened the possibility for relief. Human rights organizations emphasize the need for governments to enforce the court’s measures through arms embargoes. The US has shielded Israel from Security Council action but faces a dilemma with the ICJ’s ruling aligning with Biden’s stance.
Bipartisan Israel Support
Israel maintains widespread support in the Biden administration and among lawmakers, while calls grow for clarity on the use of US weapons by Israel. US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib questions Biden’s response to the violence in Gaza. The Biden administration’s report found Israeli forces violated international law in Gaza but continued weapons transfers.
The administration has not commented on the ICJ’s order, leading to criticism from Republican lawmakers. Lindsey Graham rejected the ICJ’s decision and called for sanctions against the ICC. The US faces international scrutiny over its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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