An investigation by Amnesty International claims that a US-made weapon system was used in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 43 civilians. The report links fragments of the US-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions guidance system to the attacks. This system converts unguided bombs into accurate, smart munitions. While various American weapons are used by Israel, this is one of the first attempts to connect a US-made weapon to a specific attack causing civilian casualties.
Amnesty International’s report, based on satellite imagery and photos taken by fieldworkers, alleges that the airstrikes had no military objectives at the sites and that the individuals targeted were not legitimate military targets. The attacks are labeled as either direct assaults on civilians or indiscriminate, prompting calls for an investigation into potential war crimes. The casualties included 19 children, 14 women, and 10 men.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) rejected the report, calling it flawed, biased, and premature. The IDF stated that the assumption of no military intelligence unless revealed contradicts the understanding of military activity. The military expressed regret for any harm to civilians and their property and emphasized their commitment to reviewing and learning from operations.
Amnesty International urges the Biden administration to take action, stating that the use of American weapons for such strikes should be a wake-up call. Secretary General Agnes Callamard emphasizes that the US-made weapons facilitated mass killings, calling for urgent attention.
The US State Department and the Pentagon are reviewing the report. The State Department expresses concern about the protection of civilians and expects Israel to target legitimate objectives, adhering to the laws of armed conflict. The Pentagon plans to consult closely with Israeli partners on the importance of considering civilian safety in military operations.
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