State Dept. officials hinted at Israeli ‘war crimes,’ pushed Gaza aid days after Oct. 7 Hamas attack: report
Newly revealed emails show senior military officials raised concerns with the White House within days of Israel commencing its operation in Gaza. Reuters obtained and examined emails between senior State Department and Pentagon officials between Oct. 11-14 that showed concern and alarm as Israel started hitting the Gaza Strip with missile strikes.
The emails specifically focused on the mass evacuation of Palestinians as a potential legal issue. Dana Stroul, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East at the time, wrote to senior Biden aides on Oct. 13 and warned that Israel could face war crime charges for its actions.
The emails also include pressure to include messages of sympathy for the Palestinian people and to allow more aid into Gaza while seeking to remain in solidarity with Israel. Bill Russo, at the time an assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, attempted to drive home the long-term impact of the U.S.’s “lack of response on the humanitarian conditions” in Gaza, calling it “ineffective and counterproductive” while also harming relations with Arab nations.
Russo wrote in one email, “If this course is not quickly reversed by not only messaging, but action, it risks damaging our stance in the region for years to come.” A colleague forwarded his emails to White House officials and warned that “otherwise would-be stalwart” Arab partners might think twice about relations with the U.S.
Russo eventually resigned from his post in March 2024, citing personal reasons for his decision.
