WASHINGTON, USA: A group of US government employees who resigned in protest of President Joe Biden’s Gaza policies have released a joint statement titled “Service in Dissent.”
The statement, published on Tuesday, outlines their shared belief that they have a collective responsibility to speak out against the administration’s approach and suggests steps the US government should take. The resignations, which span the nearly nine-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlight the deep discontent within parts of the administration over US policies in Gaza.
The statement, released on July Fourth, emphasizes that the officials did not abandon their commitment to service but rather extended it by resigning. They argue that the administration’s policy in Gaza is a failure and poses a threat to US national security. The former officials contend that America’s diplomatic support for and continuous arms supply to Israel has made the US complicit in the killings and forced starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, which they describe as morally reprehensible and a violation of international humanitarian law and US laws. They also believe this policy has endangered the lives of US service members and diplomats.
President Biden has faced mounting pressure domestically and internationally over his support for Israel in its war in Gaza, a conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, the displacement of millions, and widespread hunger. Despite increasingly harsh rhetoric from the administration, urging Israel to better protect civilians and allow more aid into Gaza, the underlying policies have remained largely unchanged.
The resigned officials argue that the US policy toward Gaza has severely damaged US relations in the region, undermined global credibility, and tarnished the values the US and the West stand for, which is particularly dangerous in the current era of strategic competition.
The joint statement outlines six recommendations for the US government:
Faithfully Execute the Law: The officials assert that the administration is currently violating multiple US laws and is manipulating processes to ensure a continuous flow of lethal weapons to Israel.
Leverage for Conflict Resolution: The US should use all necessary leverage to bring the conflict to an immediate close.
Expand Humanitarian Aid: Increase the provision of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Support Palestinian Self-Determination: Advocate for the self-determination of the Palestinian people as a core principle of US foreign policy.
Strengthen Oversight and Accountability: Implement stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms within the executive branch to ensure adherence to laws and policies.
Support Freedom of Speech: Defend the right to free speech, particularly for college protesters advocating for Palestinian rights.
The statement concludes with a message to current government employees, encouraging them to use their voices, challenge decisions, and push for change from within, stressing the strength that comes from collective action and the importance of not being complicit in harmful policies.
Among those who resigned
Maryam Hassanein, a special assistant at the Department of Interior, left her job, criticizing Biden’s foreign policy as “genocide-enabling” and dehumanizing towards Arabs and Muslims. Israel denies genocide allegations.
Mohammed Abu Hashem, a Palestinian American who ended a 22-year career in the US Air Force, cited the loss of relatives in Gaza, including an aunt killed in an Israeli air strike in October.
Riley Livermore, a US Air Force engineer, resigned in June, stating he did not want to work on projects that could be used to harm innocent people.
Stacy Gilbert, from the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, left in May, accusing the administration of falsely claiming that Israel was not blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Alexander Smith, a contractor for USAID, quit in May over alleged censorship after the agency canceled his presentation on Palestinian maternal and child mortality.
Lily Greenberg Call, a Jewish political appointee and special assistant at the Interior Department, resigned in May, expressing her inability to support the Gaza catastrophe.
Anna Del Castillo, a deputy director at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, departed in April, becoming the first known White House official to leave over Gaza policy.
Hala Rharrit, an Arabic language spokesperson for the State Department, also left in April in opposition to US policy towards Gaza.
Annelle Sheline, from the State Department’s human rights bureau, resigned in March, criticizing the government for enabling atrocities.
Tariq Habash, a special assistant in the Education Department’s office of planning, quit in January, accusing the administration of turning a blind eye to Gaza atrocities.
Harrison Mann, a US Army major and Defense Intelligence Agency official, resigned in November, later publicly sharing his reasons in May.
Josh Paul, director of the State Department’s bureau of political military affairs, was the first to resign in October, criticizing Washington’s “blind support” for Israel.
These resignations reflect deep divisions within the US government regarding its approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its impact on Palestinian civilians.
