Houston, The Indonesia Post – A United States Department of State official resigned on Wednesday because he was disappointed with President Joe Biden’s policies in handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Josh Paul, who handled arms transfers for more than 11 years in the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, announced his resignation in a letter.
In the two-page letter, he explained that his decision was based on the belief that the US approach to the conflict, particularly the provision of lethal weapons, had reached a point where he could no longer support it.
According to Paul, the US’s provision of weapons to Israel continues, has even been expanded and accelerated.
“I can no longer support this policy,” he said, referring to the Biden administration’s support for Israel in response to the Hamas attack on October 7.
Paul emphasized that Hamas’ attack on Israel was a terrible act, but that a US-backed Israeli counterattack would worsen the conflict.
“Blind support for one party will damage the interests of both parties in the long term,” he said.
In his speech in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Biden voiced his full support for Israel.
“You are not alone. You are not alone,” he said.
“The United States will always be there for you. We know that the recent terrorist attacks have caused deep pain and suffering for this nation (Israel).”
In his resignation letter, Paul expressed his desire that innocent people, both in Israel and in Palestine, be protected.
The killing and kidnapping of civilians by terrorist groups in Israel and Palestine are actions that run counter to peace efforts, he said.
He added that collective punishment, ethnic cleansing, occupation and apartheid policies are enemies to peace. (mhn/bbs)
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