US tracking nearly 500 incidents of civilian harm involving US weapons in Gaza

US State Department officials have identified nearly 500 potential incidents of civilian harm during Israel’s military operations in Gaza involving US-furnished weapons, but have not taken further action on any of them, according to three sources, including a US official familiar with the matter.

The Washington Post reports that the reports have come from various US government agencies, aid organizations, nonprofits, media reports and other eyewitnesses, the Post says.

While State Department guidance directs US officials to complete investigations and recommend a response to such claims within two months, no single case has gotten this far in the process, according to the report.

Some of the cases likely amount to violations of US and international law, sources familiar with the matter tell The Post.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken submitted a report to Congress earlier this year concluding that it is reasonable to assess that US weapons have been used by Israel in ways that are inconsistent with US law. However, he also said Israel’s assurances to the contrary are “credible and reliable” and that the US could not at the time provide a conclusive determination.

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