A career US diplomat resign over US policy on the Israel-Hamas war

Hala Rharrit, a career US diplomat, has spoken out after resigning from the State Department over the Biden administration's policy on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Rharrit, who served as an Arab language spokesperson, said she was "horrified" by the Hamas attacks on October 7, but was dismayed by the US government's response, which she believes has contributed to a humanitarian crisis and destabilized the region.

Rharrit is the first-known career diplomat to resign over the administration's policy, which has been criticized for its strong support of Israel and perceived double standard in addressing the humanitarian crisis and civilian deaths. Two other State Department officials, Josh Paul and Annelle Sheline, have also resigned in protest.

Rharrit said she and her colleagues were "devastated" by the war's toll, including the deaths of over 34,000 people in Gaza, and felt that their warnings about the destabilizing effects of US policy were being ignored. She said she was tasked with presenting US policy to an Arabic-speaking audience, but the talking points she was given were "dehumanizing to Palestinians" and sparked backlash across the region.

Rharrit said some colleagues shared her views, but many were uncomfortable discussing Gaza and providing critical feedback. She believes that the administration's policy has hurt US interests and damaged its reputation globally.

Since her resignation, Rharrit said many colleagues have approached her and expressed similar concerns, but are afraid to speak out due to career concerns. The State Department has said that it welcomes dissenting views and has a channel for employees to share their concerns, but Rharrit believes that her warnings and those of others were ignored.

Rharrit's resignation and public statement highlight the deep divisions within the State Department and the US government over the administration's policy on the Israel-Hamas war. Her comments also underscore the challenges faced by diplomats who are tasked with implementing and defending US policy, even when they disagree with it.