She resigned from the State Department over US’ Gaza response. This is what she thinks US should do

You, you write regarding the forced displacement of Gaza civilians, the lack of aid, violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. You say, quote these actions, which which experts on genocide have testified meet the crime of genocide, are conducted with the diplomatic and military support of the US government. And that’s the basis of your resignation. As you know, genocide is a very specific definition here. How do you feel Israel’s behaviour there meets that definition? I mean, I would leave that to the experts. As you said, it is a very specific definition. But I I would argue that in general the actions the Israeli military is taking are are seeking to wipe out the population of Gaza. We’ve also heard such statements made by Israeli officials, political officials and military officials. The Unfortunately, we’re also hearing plans being made now for people to take over the territory of the Gaza Strip. We had Jared Kushner come on and talk about how he’s going to build high rises on this beautiful beachfront, properly property. You know, as you said, the the crime of genocide does need to meet a particular legal definition, but. I would, I would posit that there are, there are many experts who are who are arguing that this is what Israel is doing. Let me ask you this because as you as you say, there has been both private and public pressure increasing from President Biden and the White House in recent days and weeks on Israel, for instance, not to go into Rafa in Gaza. That’s insufficient in your view. What would be sufficient in your view from the US side? I think the US needs to uphold our own laws. We have the Leahy laws that would that stipulate that US foreign military assistance cannot go to units of a foreign military that that are engaged in gross human rights violations. Also, a foreign government that is preventing US humanitarian aid is no longer eligible for for U.S. military assistance. We’re not upholding those laws. So I think we could start there, just start upholding our own laws. I think this is particularly crucial not only for the people of Gaza, but. This administration has tried to distinguish itself from the previous administration as one that not only believes in the rule of law. But that believes in America’s role in the world and wanted to re establish America as a leader. Not only in in terms of, you know, I know you you’ve done work on great power competition. But if America is is not going to distinguish itself from some of our adversaries that engage in in these sorts of human rights violations. Why should the rest of the world look to us as a leader? You said it’s a loss of soft power. Doctor Anel Sheila and thanks so much for sharing your point of view. Appreciate having you on.