Israel has been conducting a genocidal war in Gaza for one year, violating every aspect of international humanitarian law. The United States is deeply implicated in this genocidal war, leading to systemic destruction of Palestinian lives and livelihoods in Gaza. It is a deliberate decision to a regime that is characterized by repression, occupation, and violence. How is the US involved in this genocidal war?
The US provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, making it the largest beneficiary of American military assistance in the world. Between October 2023 and August 2024, the United States provided significant financial support to Israel.
In October 2023, $2 billion in additional funding was allocated to support Israel, followed by a $14 billion military aid package on October 20, 2023. In December 2023, the US committed $106.5 million for tank shells on December 9 and $147.5 million for artillery shells and other weapons on December 29.
Moving into February 2024, another $14 billion aid package was passed. In March 2024, $2.5 billion was allocated for weapons transfers. By May 2024, a $1 billion arms sale was approved.
In April 2024, a $95 billion security package was signed, which included $26 billion specifically for military aid to Israel. In June 2024, the U.S. signed off on $3 billion for 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets, followed by an $18 billion arms sale. Later, in August 2024, $3.5 billion was allocated for U.S.-made weapons and military equipment on August 9, and a $20 billion weapons package was approved on August 13.
The US is financing Israeli oppression, not for defense, but to maintain a brutal occupation that allows Israel to continue its systematic dehumanization and displacement of Palestinians.
Every time a resolution that would make Israel pay for what it did in Gaza comes up for a vote in the UN Security Council, the United States utilises its veto power to stop it.
Between October 2023 and March 2024, the United States exercised its veto power multiple times in favour of Israel at the United Nations. On October 18, 2023, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning Hamas and calling for a pause in fighting to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that the resolution did not sufficiently highlight Israel’s right to self-defence.
On December 8, 2023, the US again vetoed a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, arguing that it was "unbalanced" because it did not address Hamas’ attacks or acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.
Moving into February 2024, on February 20, the US vetoed another UN resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza, citing concerns over undermining hostage negotiations. 24 April 2024, the US vetoed the UN Security Council resolution that recommended the state of Palestine’s full membership in the world body.
On March 25, 2024, while the U.S. abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire during Ramadan, its abstention allowed the resolution to pass, leading to criticism from Israel.
By doing so, the US is effectively providing Israel with a blank check to commit atrocities with impunity.
Even though the United States purports to be a global leader in defending democracy and human rights, it consistently ignores Israel's flagrant abuses of these rights. All the things the United States professes to stand for are in direct opposition to the continued occupation of Palestinian lands, the siege of Gaza, and the apartheid-like circumstances forced upon Palestinians.
The situation in Gaza constitutes not merely an Israeli war but a systematic and intentional effort aimed at obliterating the survival capacity of a whole population. The U.S. is not simply an observer of this genocide; it is a facilitator. The United States, through its military aid, diplomatic cover and protection, and failure to hold Israel accountable, is participating in the gradual extermination of the Palestinian population.