According to the latest annual report by the US State Department, the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a notable deterioration of human rights conditions in the region.
Highlighted in the report are various human rights violations, including reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and the unwarranted arrest of journalists.
The State Department’s 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices underscored these concerning issues.
Addressing concerns about the apparent discrepancy in the treatment of allegations against the Israeli military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that investigations into these matters are actively ongoing.
During a recent briefing where the human rights report was presented, Blinken stated, “Our scrutiny of human rights practices worldwide applies uniformly to all nations, regardless of their relationship with the United States.”
“Whether a country is considered an adversary, competitor, friend, or ally, our standards remain consistent,” he continued.