In the wake of the killing of seven international aid workers by Israel, the mood among staff in the US State Department is reportedly worse than during the Iraq invasion, according to a former staffer. Charles Blaha, the former director of the State Department's Office of Security and Human Rights, expressed concern over the dissatisfaction within the department, stating that he had "never seen this much unhappiness."

Blaha, who served in the State Department for 32 years including the Iraq War, commented on the growing disquiet over President Joe Biden's policy on Gaza, stating that the level of dissent surpassed even the Iraq War. The fallout from the killing of aid workers has ignited further criticism and brought renewed attention to Biden's unwavering support for Israel throughout the devastating war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 32,000 Palestinians.

The deaths of these aid workers, which included an American citizen, have prompted widespread concern and triggered international uproar. The United Nations reported that their deaths marked the tragic loss of over 220 aid workers throughout the conflict. Moreover, on the same day as the deadly strikes, the Biden administration approved the transfer of thousands of bombs to Israel, and is currently considering an $18 billion sale that includes fighter jets and other military equipment.

While there have only been two public resignations related to the war, including that of former director of the State Department's bureau of political-military affairs, Josh Paul, insiders reveal that more staff members are privately expressing their concerns. Paul stated that he had received increasing messages from colleagues who were deeply upset by the department's handling of arms transfers amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The dissent within the State Department has led to at least seven internal memos expressing opposition to the Biden administration's Gaza policy, utilizing a channel established during the Vietnam War to provide a platform for criticism and disagreement without fear of retaliation. The spokesperson for the State Department emphasized Secretary of State Antony Blinken's openness to such dissent, stating that Blinken "welcomes people utilizing the dissent channel," and that he takes it seriously.

Critics argue that there is a significant disconnect between the analysis and policy recommendations of State Department personnel regarding Gaza and Israel-Palestine, and the actual decisions being made by the White House. Former State Department advisor Brian Finucane highlighted the disparity, stating that President Biden has remained largely immune to the facts surrounding the conflict and has prioritized rhetoric over tangible policy changes.

The mounting dissent within the State Department has raised questions about the administration's commitment to upholding humanitarian values and considering the consequences of policy decisions. As public pressure grows, Biden has reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future US policy towards Israel will be contingent upon actions taken to protect aid workers and civilians in Gaza.

The Israeli army recently concluded an internal investigation into the incident, acknowledging a "grave mistake." However, they continued to claim innocence, asserting that the aid workers were "misidentified" as Hamas militants. In response, two military officers have been dismissed from their positions, according to the military's announcement.

With criticisms intensifying and staff dissatisfaction reaching unprecedented levels, the State Department faces mounting pressure to reassess its Gaza policy and address humanitarian concerns amidst the ongoing conflict.