Biden’s Role in Gaza’s Famine: Accountability and Consequences Explored by Mohamad Bazzi

Biden‘s Legacy Tarnished: Missed Opportunities too Prevent Gaza Famine

In March 2024,the global authority on food security issued a stark warning: Palestinians were facing “catastrophic levels of hunger,” wiht famine imminent in northern Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing siege. This warning, echoing alarms raised since December 2023 by the UN and international relief groups, highlighted the dire situation on the ground.

During this period, President Joe Biden’s governance faced intense scrutiny. Rather of heeding the repeated warnings from the UN and humanitarian organizations, the administration was criticized for undermining their efforts to address the escalating crisis. This inaction has become a significant point of contention as the human-made famine in Gaza continues to unfold.Biden had multiple critical moments where his administration could have intervened. By heeding the warnings and using them to limit unconditional US military support for Israel, they could have altered the course of events and potentially mitigated the spread of starvation. His actions, or lack thereof, have been criticized for the missed opportunities to change course and for a perceived lack of empathy towards the suffering of Palestinians.

this pattern of events has been a stark reminder of the complex political landscape and the devastating consequences of inaction in times of crisis, leading to questions about accountability and the lasting impact of these decisions on the people of Gaza.

To what extent does the Biden administration’s continued provision of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Israel, despite reported obstructions of humanitarian aid in Gaza, align with the stipulations of the Leahy Law?

The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe, with widespread famine looming. Recent reports,including analyses by Mohamad Bazzi,increasingly point to the role of U.S. policy – and specifically, the Biden administration – in exacerbating this crisis. Understanding this connection requires a nuanced examination of aid restrictions, political leverage, and the broader geopolitical context. Key terms driving search around this topic include “Gaza famine,” “Biden Gaza policy,” “humanitarian crisis Gaza,” and “Israel-Hamas war accountability.”

U.S. Aid and Conditional Assistance to Israel

For decades, the United States has been the largest provider of military aid to Israel.This aid, totaling billions of dollars annually, has historically been given with few strings attached. However, the scale of the devastation in Gaza has prompted calls for conditioning aid on adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations.

Foreign Military financing (FMF): A meaningful portion of U.S. aid to Israel comes in the form of FMF, wich Israel uses to purchase U.S.-made military equipment.

The Leahy Law: This law prohibits the U.S. from providing military assistance to foreign security forces that have a record of gross human rights violations.While applicable in theory, its consistent submission to Israel has been debated.

Biden Administration’s Position: The Biden administration has maintained strong support for Israel, resisting calls for significant restrictions on aid, even as reports of civilian casualties and obstruction of humanitarian aid mounted.This stance is a central point of contention highlighted by Bazzi’s reporting.

Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid: A Key Factor

A major contributor to the famine is the severe restriction of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. While Israel maintains that it is indeed facilitating aid,numerous organizations – including the UN and international NGOs – report significant obstacles.

Border Restrictions: The Rafah crossing, a vital entry point for aid, has faced frequent closures and limitations. The Kerem Shalom crossing, while open, has been subject to bureaucratic delays and security concerns.

Inspection Procedures: Stringent inspection procedures imposed by Israel have slowed down the delivery of essential supplies.Critics argue thes procedures are overly restrictive and designed to limit the volume of aid.

Internal Displacement & Access: Even when aid enters Gaza, its distribution is hampered by ongoing conflict, internal displacement of the population, and limited access for humanitarian organizations.

The World Food Program (WFP): The WFP has repeatedly warned of imminent famine, citing the lack of access and the breakdown of Gaza’s food systems. Their reports are crucial in understanding the severity of the situation.

Mohamad Bazzi’s Analysis: A Critical Perspective

Mohamad Bazzi’s reporting offers a critical examination of the biden administration’s role,arguing that the U.S.has not exerted sufficient leverage on israel to protect civilians and allow for adequate humanitarian access. bazzi’s work emphasizes the following:

U.S. Political Influence: The U.S. holds significant political influence over Israel, and could use this leverage to demand changes in policy.

Lack of Accountability: The absence of clear consequences for actions that violate international humanitarian law emboldens further violations.

The “Ironclad Support” Narrative: Bazzi challenges the narrative of “ironclad support” for Israel, arguing that it comes at the expense of Palestinian lives and undermines U.S. credibility.

Focus on Root Causes: bazzi’s analysis often connects the current crisis to the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing occupation.

International Law and Potential War Crimes

The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of civilian infrastructure raise serious questions under international law.

Article 54 of the Geneva Convention: Prohibits starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.

International Criminal Court (ICC): the ICC is investigating alleged war crimes committed in Gaza by both Israel and Hamas.

Duty to Protect (R2P): this principle asserts that states have a responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.The international community’s failure to adequately respond to the crisis in Gaza raises questions about the application of R2P.

The Consequences of Inaction: Regional Instability

The ongoing famine and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the immediate suffering of the Palestinian people.

Increased Radicalization: Desperation and hopelessness can fuel radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups.

Regional Escalation: The conflict has the potential to escalate into a wider regional war, involving other actors such as hezbollah and Iran.

Damage to U.S. Credibility: The U.S.’s perceived inaction and unwavering support for Israel damage its credibility as a mediator and a champion of human rights.

Long-Term Instability: The destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and the trauma experienced by its population will have long-lasting consequences, hindering any prospects for peace and stability.

Case Study: The 2008-2009 Gaza War & Aid Restrictions

The current situation echoes patterns observed during