Biden's Aid Withholding Allegedly Empowers Hamas, Says Senator Ricketts

Senator Pete Ricketts claims President Biden's suspension of aid to Israel has strengthened Hamas. The State Department, however, has yet to conclude whether Israel violated international law in Gaza.

Senator Pete Ricketts has asserted that President Biden's decision to withhold aid from Israel has inadvertently empowered Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.

Ricketts made this statement during an appearance on Fox Report with Jon Scott. He argued that Biden's withholding of aid has weakened Israel's ability to defend itself against Hamas, which has resulted in an increase in Hamas's strength and influence.

However, the State Department has emphasized that no definitive conclusions have been drawn regarding Israel's potential violations of international law in Gaza. A recent critical report issued by the department acknowledged the complex and challenging nature of the conflict, as well as Hamas's history of using civilians as human shields.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel stressed that while some defense articles provided by the United States may have been used by Israeli security forces in ways inconsistent with international obligations, there is no clear indication that Israel intentionally targeted civilians.

Patel also highlighted that Israel has ongoing criminal investigations and administrative reviews into its actions in Gaza, demonstrating its commitment to accountability.

The critical report released by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday detailed Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza and raised concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. However, the report also noted the extraordinary military challenge faced by Israel, with Hamas deliberately embedding itself within the civilian population and using civilians as human shields.

The report further emphasized Hamas's use of schools, hospitals, and residential buildings for military purposes, as well as its construction of a vast tunnel network beneath civilian infrastructure to conceal its leaders and fighters.

Patel acknowledged the difficulty in making conclusive determinations regarding violations of international humanitarian law due to Hamas's tactics. He reiterated the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and emphasized Israel's capabilities in this regard.

Blinken has publicly criticized Israel's conduct in the Gaza conflict, expressing concerns about the loss of innocent civilian lives. He has also called on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and has emphasized the need for credible plans for security and governance in the territory after the war.

In an interview, Blinken highlighted the risks associated with Israel's military operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. He expressed concern that the operation could result in an enduring insurgency or a vacuum filled by chaos and anarchy.

Blinken stressed the need for a better way to achieve an enduring result and lasting security, involving collaboration with Arab countries and other stakeholders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.