Antony Blinken
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the emotional toll that Israel’s war with Hamas has put on US diplomats amid media reports of internal dissension in Washington over the conflict’s conduct.
Blinken addressed a message to all State Department staff Thursday night, emphasizing the challenging circumstances affecting the US diplomatic corps, some of whom are feeling the ripples of fear and bigotry caused by the conflict.
US leaders, notably President Joe Biden and Blinken, have publically backed Israel’s retaliation for Hamas’ shock incursion from the Gaza Strip on October 7, which included a relentless bombing campaign of the crowded enclave.
At least one State Department official has resigned in protest over the Biden administration’s response to the war.
Josh Paul, the official, stated on LinkedIn that he quit over a policy disagreement concerning our continued lethal assistance to Israel.
According to the sources, Blinken’s letter was not in response to the reports of departmental dissatisfaction.
In his letter, Blinken highlighted his recent trip to the Middle East, during which he visited Israel and many Arab countries several times.
“I know that, for many of you, this time has not only been challenging professionally, but personally”, Blinken stated in his letter.
He stated that the United States mourns the loss of every innocent life in this conflict.
“That is why President Biden has made clear … that while we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, how it does so matters”, Blinken continued, pointing to the need to uphold the rule of law and international humanitarian standards.
“Let us also be sure to sustain and expand the space for debate and dissent that makes our policies and our institution better”, the letter reads.
It went on to say, “We have a difficult stretch ahead. The risk of greater turmoil and strife is real”.
Employees at the State Department were dissatisfied with US policies towards the war.
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