Israel war: John Kirby calls ‘genocide’ accusations against Israel ‘pretty inappropriate’
White House Rejects Accusations of Genocide in Gaza
Spokesman Defends Israel, Calls Accusations “Inappropriate”
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby rejected accusations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and called the label “pretty inappropriate.”
During a press conference, Kirby was asked to respond to activists’ claims that the Biden administration was sanctioning a genocide against the Palestinian people. Referring to the nickname “Genocide Joe” used by protesters, the reporter sought Kirby’s reaction.
“We’re not worried about nicknames and bumper stickers,” Kirby replied. “I mean, it’s First Amendment free speech. People can say what they want on the sidewalk, and we respect that. That’s what the First Amendment is about. But this word ‘genocide’ is getting thrown around in a pretty inappropriate way by lots of different folks.”
Kirby countered the accusations by pointing out that Hamas openly desires a genocide against Israel.
“What Hamas wants, make no mistake about it, is genocide,” Kirby continued. “They want to wipe Israel off the map. They’ve said so, publicly, more than one occasion, in fact, just recently. And they’ve said that they’re not going to stop: ‘What happened on the 7th of October is going to happen again and again and again.’ And what happened on the 7th of October? Murder, slaughter of innocent people in their homes or at a music festival. That’s genocidal intentions.”
He further emphasized that Israel is not seeking to eliminate the Palestinian people or Gaza, but rather defending itself against a genocidal terrorist threat.
“Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map,” he added. ”Israel is not trying to wipe Gaza off the map. Israel is trying to defend itself against a genocidal terrorist threat. So if we’re going to start using that word, fine. Let’s use it appropriately.”
However, Kirby acknowledged the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and stated that the United States will continue to pressure Israel to minimize collateral damage.
Genocide is a legal term established after World War II to describe the deliberate attempt to annihilate a religious, national, racial, or ethnic group. Pro-Palestinian activists accuse Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza, while Israel accuses Hamas of genocidal actions, citing the October 7 assault.
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What implications does the accusation of genocide against Israel carry and how does it affect the ongoing conflict in Gaza
H and people can say what they want. But the details here matter and throwing around labels of genocide is not something that we have to accept and not something that we do accept.”
Kirby emphasized that the United States remains committed to its support for Israel’s right to self-defense and acknowledged the difficulty of the situation in Gaza. However, he stressed that the characterization of the conflict as a genocide is unfounded and counterproductive.
“I would remind you, again, that one of the principles of the Israeli response is this right to self-defense,” Kirby said. “And I think, again, you have to take a look at the facts on the ground, and they speak for themselves.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified in recent weeks, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants and their infrastructure, while Palestinian militants launch rockets into Israeli territory. The violence has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement of civilians on both sides.
Human rights organizations and activists have accused Israel of committing war crimes and possibly genocide in their actions against Gaza. They argue that the disproportionate use of force by Israel and the targeting of civilian areas raise serious concerns about the intentionality of these attacks.
However, the White House’s rejection of these accusations signals its continued support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Biden administration has expressed its commitment to Israel’s security and right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas.
The label of genocide carries immense weight and serves to implicate Israel in the gravest of crimes. Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The accusation suggests that Israel’s actions in Gaza are not merely a response to rocket attacks but a calculated campaign to destroy the Palestinian people.
In response to Kirby’s comments, activists argue that the United States is turning a blind eye to the suffering of Palestinians and providing Israel with impunity for its actions. They claim that by dismissing accusations of genocide, the White House is undermining the urgency of the situation and perpetuating the cycle of violence.
Regardless of one’s perspective on the conflict, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of the accusations being made. Accusing a nation of genocide is a serious charge that demands thorough investigation and impartial analysis of the evidence. The public must scrutinize the actions of all parties involved and hold them accountable for any violations of international humanitarian law.
The conflict in Gaza is an ongoing tragedy that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the displacement of countless individuals. It is crucial for the international community, including the United States, to pursue a peaceful resolution and work towards a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
In the meantime, it is imperative for journalists, activists, and policymakers to engage in open and honest discussions about the situation in Gaza and refrain from using inflammatory language that undermines the search for truth and justice. Accusations of genocide must not be thrown around lightly, as they carry significant moral and legal implications.
The White House’s rejection of accusations of genocide in Gaza does not absolve Israel of its responsibility to protect civilian lives or address allegations of war crimes. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the principle of proportionality and take all necessary measures to minimize civilian casualties.
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