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US State Department Official Resigns Amid Gaza Conflict, Citing Frustration Over US Policy
Andrew Miller, a senior US State Department official, resigns citing frustration over US policy on Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
ND
by News Desk
2024-06-22
US State Department Official Resigns Amid Gaza Conflict, Citing Frustration Over US Policy

The deputy assistant secretary for Israeli-Palestinian affairs at the US Department of State, has resigned this week, citing personal reasons amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza that has claimed over 37,400 Palestinian lives since October.

 

According to The Washington Post, Miller expressed that the current conflict had become "all-consuming," leading him to prioritize spending more time with his family. He had been a critic of US President Joe Biden's approach towards Israel, which he reportedly described as a "bear hug" policy.

 

Miller's departure marks the latest in a series of resignations from the Biden administration, reflecting growing internal discontent over Washington's unwavering support for Israel amidst the Gaza war.

 

Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC, highlighted that Miller's resignation underscores broader frustrations within the administration regarding President Biden's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. She noted that several high-profile resignations have criticized the administration for its handling of the conflict, alleging complicity in Palestinian casualties.

 

During his tenure, Miller played a significant role in issuing an executive order in February that imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in attacks against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, as reported by CNN. His previous experience includes serving as a senior policy adviser to the US ambassador to the United Nations and as director for Egypt and Israel military issues on the White House National Security Council during the Obama administration.

 

The resignation comes amid ongoing protests against the Gaza war, including a notable incident where US airman Aaron Bushnell died after setting himself on fire outside Israel's embassy in Washington, DC, in February. Thousands have protested outside the White House, and further demonstrations are anticipated leading up to the November presidential election.

 

"We also expect that there will be further protests when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress next month. We know already that there will be a large number of members of Congress who plan to boycott that address," Halkett added.

 

Miller's departure signals deepening divisions within the US administration over its Middle East policy, particularly concerning its support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Resignation

Gazaconflict

USPolicy

MiddleEastPolitics
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