U.S. State Department spokesperson firmly rejected insinuations that the Israeli military executed humanitarian workers in Gaza, following a reporter’s question citing a recent UN allegation. The claim, originating from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), alleged that 15 paramedics, civil defense workers, and a UN staffer were executed “one by one” by IDF troops, with bodies reportedly found in shallow graves and vehicles buried in sand.
The reporter pressed the U.S. official on whether the State Department had investigated the report—particularly given the potential involvement of American-supplied weapons—and whether it might constitute a violation of international law.
“Everything happening in Gaza is because of Hamas”
The State Department spokesperson responded unequivocally, reminding the press that Hamas—not Israel—is the cause of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“Let me be clear: everything happening in Gaza is because of Hamas. Every single dynamic stems from their actions,” the spokesperson said. “This could all stop immediately if Hamas released all hostages and the bodies they are still holding, and laid down their weapons.”
Addressing the broader legal context, the spokesperson added:
“Using civilians or civilian sites to shield military operations is itself a violation of international humanitarian law. Hamas has abused civilian infrastructure for far too long. Of course, we expect all parties to comply with international law—but this is about accountability.”
The U.S. response marked a rare public dismissal of UN-sourced allegations, particularly those targeting Israel. The United Nations, especially agencies operating in Gaza, has been repeatedly criticized for spreading unverified or one-sided accusations that rely on Hamas-controlled narratives and sources.
Analysts note that this exchange reflects a growing awareness within U.S. policy circles that many of the claims emerging from Gaza lack independent verification and are often weaponized to drive anti-Israel campaigns.
“The UN cannot act as a megaphone for Hamas propaganda,” one U.S. official told The Middle East Observer. “We need facts, not narratives scripted by a terror regime.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied the UN’s claims and called on the UN to release verifiable evidence. As of now, no photos, forensic data, or confirmed identities have been presented to substantiate the claim.
“If the UN has credible evidence of misconduct, we demand to see it,” said an IDF spokesperson. “Israel takes all such allegations seriously—but we will not tolerate libel from organizations embedded with terrorist infrastructure.”
While the fog of war often leads to confusion, especially in a battlefield like Gaza where Hamas deliberately operates from civilian sites, unverified allegations—particularly those cited by UN agencies—must be treated with caution.
The State Department’s forceful statement sends a clear message: accountability applies to all sides, including those who make serious claims without proof. Most importantly, it reasserts the fundamental truth of this war—that it began with Hamas’s massacre of civilians on October 7 and can end immediately if Hamas surrenders and returns all hostages.
Until then, Israel has every right—and responsibility—to defend itself.
