The United States has no evidence that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a Senate committee on Tuesday.
“We don’t have any evidence of genocide,” Austin said during testimony before the Senate Armed Services committee.
Israel has been accused by critics of committing genocide against Palestinians living in Gaza during its six-month long war in the territory against Hamas.
On Oct. 7, Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel and began an attack that left 1,200 dead and around 250 people kidnapped. Israel responded with aerial bombardment and ground invasions that have killed over 33,000 people and resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In January, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice denied an application asking for an immediate cease-fire in the war, but rejected Israel’s request to dismiss the case.
The U.S. has also been accused of assisting Israel in genocide because of its military aid to the country. Austin rejected these accusations.
“We assist Israel in defending its territory and people in providing defense assistance,” Austin said. “”I absolutely deny [the accusation].”
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