US Calls for Compliance with Humanitarian Law Amid Gaza Conflict

As tensions escalate in Gaza, the US government reiterates the necessity for all actors involved to adhere to international humanitarian law. This follows the tragic events surrounding the discovery of a mass grave with paramedics and civilians among the deceased, prompting concerns over the military's actions.

The US has reiterated its expectation that "all parties on the ground" in Gaza adhere to international humanitarian law, in light of recent findings of a mass grave containing the bodies of 15 individuals, including paramedics and a UN worker. While the State Department did not confirm whether an assessment of the Israeli military's role in these deaths is underway, spokesperson Tammy Bruce placed the blame on Hamas, stating, "Every single thing that happens in Gaza is happening because of Hamas."

According to the UN's humanitarian agency, five ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN vehicle were systematically struck on March 23, leading to the tragic discovery of the mass grave, which included paramedics still in their uniforms. The Israeli military defended its actions, claiming the vehicles were "advancing suspiciously" without headlights or emergency signals and asserted that at least one Hamas operative was among those killed. However, they did not address the reports of casualties and the subsequent burial of the bodies.

International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits the targeting of civilians and mandates protections for medical staff. The US, being Israel's largest arms supplier, is also subject to laws forbidding the use of its weapons in ways that violate such legal standards. Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN humanitarian agency in Gaza, remarked on the horror of the situation, underscoring that healthcare workers should never be targets of conflict.

Since the renewed Israeli military campaign on March 18, which followed stalled ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, over 1,000 individuals have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to health officials in the territory. This escalation is part of a broader military response triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages taken. The Hamas-run health ministry reports a staggering death toll exceeding 50,350 individuals in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.