In a recent CNN opinion piece, Annelle Sheline, a foreign affairs officer at the Office of Near Eastern Affairs in the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, announced her resignation in response to the Biden administration's policy on Gaza. Sheline stated that her decision to resign was influenced by her belief that the administration was directly enabling potential genocide in Gaza, as pointed out by the International Court of Justice.

Having worked for the past year in the office dedicated to promoting human rights in the Middle East, Sheline expressed her strong support for the mission and the crucial work of the office. However, she found it increasingly difficult to continue serving in a government that she believes allows such atrocities to take place. Thus, Sheline made the decision to step down from her position at the Department of State.

Sheline's resignation follows another similar case in October when Josh Paul, the former director of congressional and public affairs in the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, also departed his role because he believed that the provision of lethal arms to Israel was causing more harm than good.

Responding to the resignation, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that there is a wide range of opinions and diversity of views within the department regarding the policy on Gaza. He acknowledged the existence of an array of perspectives within the State Department and throughout American society concerning important foreign policy matters like this one.

The departures of Sheline and Paul highlight the sensitivity and controversy surrounding the Biden administration's approach to the conflict in Gaza. While the administration faces diverse opinions and pressures within its ranks and society at large, it must navigate a complex geopolitical landscape to achieve a balanced and effective policy in the region.

As the Biden administration grapples with mounting criticisms and resignations related to its Gaza policy, the focus now shifts to how the administration will address these concerns and work towards a resolution that upholds human rights and ensures stability in the Middle East.