Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday explained there was no evidence that Israeli forces were committing “genocide” in the Gaza Strip.
Austin was questioned about Israel’s military operations in Gaza by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., through a hearing on the Pentagon’s 2025 spending budget request.
“Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?” Cotton requested, referring to protesters’ claims that Israel is indiscriminately targeting civilians.
PALESTINIANS RETURNING TO KHAN YOUNIS Right after ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL Obtain AN UNRECOGNIZABLE Town
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023. On Tuesday, Austin testified that there was no proof that Israel was committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. (AP Picture / Manuel Balce Ceneta / File)
“We will not have any proof of genocide remaining established. We never have any evidence of that to my understanding,” Austin replied.
Austin, who has been accused of greenlighting Israeli genocide, explained Israel has a suitable to protect by itself.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have claimed Israel is committing genocide in Gaza amid its armed service offense in opposition to Hamas soon after the terror group attacked Israelis on Oct. 7.
Smoke rises during an Israeli strike in the vicinity of the al-Shifa healthcare facility in Gaza City on March 28, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict among Israel and the Palestinian Hamas team. (Photo by AFP) (Photograph by -/AFP by means of Getty Visuals) (AFP)
Israeli officials have said the reverse is occurring, with Israel letting humanitarian support to movement into the war-torn strip.
“Why does Israel have a responsibility to give aid in Gaza? We didn’t supply help to Japan and Germany for the duration of Environment War II,” Cotton requested.
He observed that the United States supplied assist to the Axis nations after the war, not in the middle of the conflict.
“It truly is not Israel’s obligation to offer aid. Absolutely not our obligation,” he explained.
Palestinians seem at the destruction after an Israeli strike at a household constructing in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, on Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)
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Austin mentioned help was important to the civilians on the ground.
“If they want to make a long lasting outcome in phrases of balance, then I believe that anything requirements to be done to help the Palestinian people,” Austin mentioned.
