A Complicit Silence: How America Fuels Genocide in Gaza
The recent veto by the United States, blocking a ceasefire resolution for the war in Gaza, has cracked open a window into a deeply unsettling reality: the United States is not just an observer to the carnage unfolding in Gaza; it is a complicit orchestrator. The international community condemned its decision, with many expressing their frustration and outrage over the now standard American rejection of International legislation attempting to hold Israel accountable for its atrocities.
The resolution, overwhelmingly supported by 14 UN member countries, sought an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, calling for the release of all hostages taken since Hamas’ October 7th attack on southern Israel. Yet, standing against the tide of global condemnation, the United States, strangely preferring untold suffering over accountability, staunchly defended Israel’s relentless bombing campaign, justifying the carnage in the name of self-defense.
More than 14 months after the initial Hamas offensive, the land blockade continues, suffocating the population. The death toll in Gaza surpasses 41,000 Palestinians – more than half of whom are women and children. American medical professionals on the ground estimate that starvation has claimed the lives of over 62,000 more. Deep within the rubble, thousands remain trapped under wreckage.
The International Criminal Court, finally answering the terrified pleas from the world, issued warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They stand accused of intentional starvation, directing attacks against civilians, inhumane acts, and crimes against humanity. In response, the American government issued a predictable and infuriating retort, dismissing the charges and reaffirming its unshakeable support for Israel. Even as Senators like Lindsey Graham threatened allied nations with “economic oblivion” for honoring the arrest warrant, and Tom Cotton threatened invasion should Netanyahu face trial, the silence on the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people has been deafening.
This bloody silence speaks volumes.
The U.S. claims that Israel is simply protecting itself from terrorism, flinging their money-backed support like was a shield, ignoring the stark reality. Sparse financial pleaded that act rather than a shield. The United States sits alongside Israel, ignoring the
stark realities, blind eyes, deaf ears, everything defended in the name of a skewed sense of self-defense. The blatant disregard for the lives lost on the ground speaks to a deeper, darker motive. The unconditional support.
As Israel ruthlessly withdraws Palestinian rights under their thumb,
the world watches a decades-olong financial and military relationships and why they are the only ones who aren’t
The silence from Washington is deafening.
American tax dollars have funded a campaign of death. American weaponry paves the way for the brutalized hands of
the innocent Israelis for
How does Dr. Sarah Ahmed respond to the argument that Israel’s actions are justified by its right to self-defence?
## A Complicit Silence: Interview with Dr. Sarah Ahmed
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Sarah Ahmed, a human rights lawyer and expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dr. Ahmed, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The United States recently vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This follows a pattern of the US blocking international action regarding the conflict. Can you elaborate on the implications of this veto and what it signals to the world?
**Dr. Ahmed:** This veto is deeply troubling. It sends a clear message that the US prioritizes Israeli security above Palestinian lives and international law. The resolution, supported by 14 other UN member states, called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ initial attack. The fact that the US stood against this overwhelming global consensus points to a concerning level of complicity in the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-will-veto-un-security-council-resolution-gaza-war-its-current-form-says-2024-11-20/)]
**Interviewer:** The article refers to the situation in Gaza as “genocide“. Do you believe this characterization is accurate?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The situation in Gaza is dire and meets many of the criteria for the definition of genocide. We’re seeing a systematic targeting of civilians, a calculated destruction of essential infrastructure, and a deliberate policy of collective punishment through the blockade. The death toll, with over 41,000 Palestinian casualties, including a staggering number of women and children [[interviewee references article text, not the provided source]], speaks volumes about the brutality of this conflict.
**Interviewer:**
The US has defended its position by citing Israel’s right to self-defence. How do you respond to this argument?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Israel’s right to self-defence is undeniable. However, it cannot be used as a justification for the disproportionate use of force and the targeting of civilians. International law clearly distinguishes between legitimate military objectives and civilian populations. The ongoing bombing campaign, coupled with the oppressive blockade, goes far beyond what is necessary to protect Israel’s security. It amounts to collective punishment of an entire civilian population.
**Interviewer:**
What actions can be taken by the international community to address this crisis and hold Israel accountable?
**Dr. Ahmed:**
The international community must exert greater pressure on Israel to end its military campaign and lift the blockade. This includes imposing sanctions, pursuing legal action at the International Criminal Court, and holding Israeli officials accountable for war crimes. It is crucial for the world to stand united in demanding an end to this cycle of violence and ensure justice for the Palestinian people.
