U.S. State Department Probes Civilian Harm in Gaza Conflict

The U.S. State Department has identified nearly 500 incidents of potential civilian harm linked to Israel's use of U.S. weapons in Gaza. These cases, tracked under a formal mechanism for assessing misuse, are yet to see action. Some may breach international humanitarian law, yet investigations continue.

Officials from the U.S. State Department have pinpointed nearly 500 cases of potential civilian harm related to Israel's military activities in Gaza, incidents involving U.S.-supplied weapons. Despite this substantial number, no concrete steps have been initiated regarding these reports, according to three sources, one being a U.S. official familiar with the issue.

These cases, recorded since the Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, are part of a systematic data collection under the State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance. This system was developed in August 2023 and applies to all countries receiving U.S. arms, incorporating three phases: incident analysis, policy impact assessment, and department-coordinated action.

None of the incidents from Gaza have progressed to the third phase, as per insights from a former U.S. official. Potential responses might involve collaborative efforts with Israel to mitigate harm, halting current arms export permits, or withholding future permissions. The Washington Post originally reported the existence of these incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)