In a recently leaked internal memo, more than 100 State Department and USAID employees expressed their dissent over President Biden's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The memo accuses Biden of spreading misinformation about the war and suggests that Israel is committing war crimes. The leaked document, obtained by Axios, has further fueled the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party and poses a challenge for Biden's potential 2024 campaign.

The memo, signed by State Department employees, echoes the sentiments of progressive activists who have criticized Biden for his support of Israel. The employees argue that Biden's endorsement of Israel's actions makes him "complicit in genocide." The memo points to the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas, during which at least 1,400 civilians were killed, as the catalyst for Israel's retaliatory measures.

While the memo accuses Biden of spreading misinformation, it does not provide specific examples of such claims. The document primarily focuses on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to Hamas in Gaza. It calls for Biden to question Israel's actions, citing cutting off electricity, limiting aid, and carrying out attacks that displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

The White House has yet to respond to the leaked memo, and the State Department referred to a previous statement that encouraged employees to voice their opinions without fear of retribution. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that differing views within the department are welcomed, but it does not guarantee a change in policy.

In addition to criticizing Biden's handling of the conflict, the memo also suggests that the U.S. government advocate for the release of the hundreds of civilians, including children and the elderly, who were kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 terror attack. The memo asserts that thousands of Palestinians are being held in Israel, further urging action.

The controversy surrounding the memo highlights the broader critiques of U.S. policy in the Middle East and the lack of progress towards a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The authors of the memo criticize the failure to advance a viable path to peace, which Biden has expressed support for.

Dissent memos are typically intended to remain within the department, but leaks to the media occasionally occur. The State Department acknowledged the established procedure for employees to express policy disagreements and emphasized the diversity of beliefs within the department.

As the debate continues, there are currently up to 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including 10 believed to be Americans. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 11,000 Gazans have been killed in the conflict; however, distinguishing between Palestinian civilians and Hamas terrorists remains challenging.

The leaked memo has amplified the ongoing discussions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and has put President Biden's stance under scrutiny. The ramifications of the differing viewpoints within the State Department and the Democratic Party may have implications for future policy decisions regarding the Middle East.