WASHINGTON — Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday mentioned the U.S. has seen no evidence that Israel has fully commited genocide throughout its military operations in opposition to Hamas in Gaza.
“We really do not have any evidence of genocide staying designed,” Austin said all through a Senate Armed Expert services Committee hearing focused on President Joe Biden’s most recent spending budget ask for.
Asked by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., irrespective of whether that signifies Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, Austin claimed once more, “We never have evidence of that.”
Before in the hearing, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Pass up., experienced asked the defense secretary if Hamas’ assault on Israel on Oct. 7 need to be regarded an act of genocide.
“What we witnessed on Oct. 7, senator, was a horrific terrorist assault by Hamas,” Austin stated, incorporating it “certainly is a war crime.”
Wicker experienced also requested Austin whether Hamas would stop its aggression towards Israel if the place laid down its arms currently.
“I seriously question that,” Austin claimed.
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