Former Biden officials urge 2028 Democrats to reject Gaza policy

Twelve former US officials who quit over Biden's Gaza policy issued a joint statement on Wednesday.

They urged Democrats seeking the party's 2028 presidential nomination to condemn the policy and its architects.

The former officials said candidates should pledge not to hire officials directly responsible for enabling Israel's military actions in Gaza.

They also called on candidates to acknowledge what they described as US complicity in genocide in Gaza.

The dispute reflects divisions within the Democratic Party over US military and diplomatic support for Israel.

Rights groups, experts and United Nations inquiries have assessed that Israel's assault on Gaza amounts to genocide; Israel says its actions are self-defense after the October 2023 Hamas-led attack.

The appeal adds pressure on prospective candidates to explain their positions on aid to Israel and Biden-era officials, but no candidates' response or next step is given.