Former US Intelligence Officer Criticizes Washington's Support for Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

Harrison Mann, a retired major from the US military intelligence, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks blaming Washington's support for Israel as a catalyst for intensifying the conflict in Gaza. In an interview with Al Jazeera TV, Mann asserted that without US backing, the conflict would not have escalated to its current devastating levels.

Mann, who resigned from his position on May 13 in protest against US policy towards Israel, highlighted growing discontent among American military and intelligence circles. "Many of my colleagues are deeply troubled by the political decisions that have exacerbated the situation in Gaza," Mann stated during the interview, underscoring the internal discord within US defense and intelligence sectors.

During his 13-year tenure in the US Army, Mann served in various capacities within military intelligence, gaining insights into US foreign policy and its implications on global conflicts. His resignation letter, which sharply criticized the Biden administration's support for Israel, resonated widely, further exposing divisions within the US government over Middle Eastern policy.

The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has drawn condemnation globally for its humanitarian toll. Reports indicate over 37,000 Palestinians killed and more than 85,000 injured in the ongoing violence. The conflict has reignited debates over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's roots, tracing back to the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948 and ongoing disputes over Palestinian territories.

Criticism within US diplomatic circles has also been notable, with several officials resigning in protest against Washington's stance on the Gaza conflict. This includes Hala Rharrit, a former Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the US State Department, who voiced her dissent before stepping down.

The Biden administration's approach to the Gaza conflict continues to face scrutiny both domestically and internationally, with calls for a reassessment of US foreign policy priorities in the Middle East. As the conflict persists, global attention remains focused on finding diplomatic solutions to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.