In a powerful act of dissent, Hala Rharrit, a long-serving Arabic-speaking public affairs official at the State Department, has tendered her resignation in protest against the Biden administration's approach to the war in Gaza. Rharrit, who had been with the State Department for 18 years, cited a growing frustration with the policy, asserting that it undermined U.S. interests, destabilized the Middle East, and failed to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Speaking to NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, Rharrit revealed that her decision to resign was not sudden but the result of a gradual disillusionment with the policy. As a diplomat deeply committed to her work, she had initially held out hope of effecting change from within. However, she ultimately concluded that continuing to be a part of the department would compromise her principles.

Rharrit highlighted the double standards inherent in the policy, stating that it prevented the U.S. from authentically promoting human rights and press freedom. She emphasized the importance of maintaining credibility and called attention to the silencing she experienced within the department. Rharrit reported being ostracized and faced with accusations of misconduct when she refused to do interviews on Gaza to avoid further undermining U.S. interests and credibility in the Arab world.

Regarding her efforts to dissent within official channels, Rharrit stated that she actively expressed her concerns through written reports and daily communication, outlining the negative perception of the U.S. caused by the policy. Despite her attempts, she found that the policy remained unchanged, and unconditional military aid meant that the U.S. lacked credibility even in its positive endeavors.

Rharrit's resignation marks the third public resignation from the State Department over the Biden administration's approach to the war in Gaza. While she is the first foreign service officer serving overseas to tender her resignation, her act underscores a growing unease within the department. Several other employees are reportedly discontented with the policy but feel unable to voice their concerns freely.

The State Department has maintained that Secretary of State Antony Blinken encourages differing perspectives and reads all dissent cables. However, Rharrit's experience suggests a climate of unease and discomfort within the department when it comes to discussing policy internally.

In concluding her interview, Rharrit passionately called for an end to violence and unconditional military support, stressing the need for diplomacy and pressure on both Israel and Hamas to achieve a two-state solution - a long-held U.S. objective. Arms and bombs, she argued, would only perpetuate a cycle of violence, insecurity, and hatred, while diplomacy offered the path to lasting peace.

As Rharrit's voice joins those of others who have resigned, her departure serves as a poignant reminder of the deeply divisive impact U.S. policy decisions can have within the State Department and highlights the pressing need for reevaluation and dialogue surrounding the approach to the war in Gaza.