Israel wants to destroy the population of Gaza, and Washington is sponsoring it, this opinion was expressed by former US State Department official Annelle Sheline on CNN. Although genocide is an extremely complex concept, many experts are convinced that this is what is happening now in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, people like Jared Kushner are already claiming to be building skyscrapers there and taking over the territory.
You write about the forced displacement of Gaza civilians, the lack of aid, the violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. You say, quote, these actions, which genocide experts have concluded meet the definition of genocide, are being carried out with the diplomatic and military support of the U.S. government. And that’s grounds for your resignation. As you know, genocide is a very specific definition. How well do you think Israel’s actions fit that definition?
ANNELLE SHELINE, EX-HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE: I would leave that to the experts. As you said, it’s a very specific definition. But I think that, in general, the actions of the Israeli military are aimed at destroying the people of Gaza. We’ve also heard similar statements from Israeli officials, both political and military.
Unfortunately, we also hear that plans are under way to take over the territory of the Gaza Strip. Jared Kushner spoke and talked about how he is going to build high-rises on this beautiful beach. As you said, the crime of genocide has to meet a certain legal definition, but I will point out that there are many experts who say that is exactly what Israel is doing.
The air date is 30 March 2024.