Share this @internewscast.com
Key Points
  • A former US state department spokesperson has said it’s “without a doubt true” that Israel has committed war crimes.
  • Matthew Miller has acknowledged he didn’t use similar language while in the role, between 2023 and 2025.
  • “When you’re at the podium, you’re not expressing your personal opinion,” Miller said.
One of the former Biden administration’s top spokespeople says Israel “without a doubt” committed war crimes in Gaza during his time in the job.
Matthew Miller was the spokesperson for the US state department from 2023 up until early this year, when Donald Trump took office.
During that time, Miller clashed with journalists on multiple occasions when pressed about whether Israel had violated international humanitarian law with its military actions in Gaza since October 2023.
Israel investigating as Gazans killed trying to access aid image
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas officials.
The ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of the “war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts”.
“We submit that the crimes against humanity charged were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population pursuant to State policy. These crimes, in our assessment, continue to this day,” Khan said at the time. The warrants remain active.
Israel has repeatedly denied accusations it has committed war crimes or genocide throughout its war in Gaza.

“We have made clear that we do not believe the ICC has jurisdiction in this case and oppose their investigation,” Miller said in May.

A man speaking at a podium, with people sitting down in front of him.

Matthew Miller frequently clashed with journalists in his time as US state department spokesperson. Source: Getty / Anadolu

But on Tuesday, Miller conceded he personally believed Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza, but defended not using such language in his time as spokesperson.

Asked by Sky News podcast host Mark Stone if he believed Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, Miller replied: “I don’t think it’s a genocide, but I think it is without a doubt true that Israel has committed war crimes.”

When Stone responded that Miller wouldn’t have said that when he was speaking to journalists at the podium, Miller said: “When you’re at the podium, you’re not expressing your personal opinion.”
“You’re expressing the conclusions of the United States government. The United States government had not concluded that [Israel] committed war crimes. Still have not concluded that.”

Miller said he believed it was an “open question” as to whether the Israeli government itself had deliberately pursued a policy to commission war crimes, but it was “almost certainly not” an open question that Israeli soldiers had committed individual war crimes.

He said Israel had not yet held “sufficient numbers of the military accountable” for alleged criminal behaviour by Israeli soldiers.

Israel started its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023 which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, with around 250 people taken as hostages into Gaza.

Israel’s campaign has devastated much of Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza, as well as destroying most buildings and leaving much of the population now living in shelters in makeshift camps.
With additional reporting by Reuters

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Australia’s Trust Levels in Global Perspective: How Does the Nation Compare?

Parts of the world are becoming more trusting thanks to education and…

Lehrmann Considers High Court Appeal Following Defamation Case Setback

This article contains references to rape. Disgraced former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann has lost…
Sydney's last dash of Summer at Bondi 14th March 2025 Photo: Steven Siewert

Debunking the Startling Myth: What 25% of Young Australians Mistakenly Assume

Approximately 25% of Australian children mistakenly believe that having a suntan offers…
They were about to cut the toddler's birthday cake when gunfire erupted

Gunfire Erupts During Toddler’s Birthday Celebration, Halting Cake-Cutting Ceremony

The joyous anticipation of a toddler’s birthday celebration turned into a scene…

US Intensifies Anti-Drug Boat Campaign Amidst War Crime Allegations: A New Beginning

Key Points Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the US has “only just…

Putin Asserts Russia’s Readiness for Conflict Amidst Europe Tensions Ahead of Crucial Ukraine Negotiations

Key Points US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Russian…
Trump says he doesn't want Somalis in the US

Trump Expresses Opposition to Somali Immigration in the US

During an extensive Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump expressed his opposition to…
Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 10 November 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Minister Justifies $100K NYC Trip: Unveiling the True Costs and Benefits

Communications Minister Anika Wells spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on a…

Australian eSafety Commissioner Rebuts U.S. Politician’s Allegations of Overreach in Global Content Regulation

Australia’s eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant has rejected a US politician’s claim…
Outside of a Bunnings Warehouse store in Australia.

Australia’s Brand Trust Shift: Major Changes Unveiled in Most Trusted and Distrusted Companies

Bunnings has solidified its position as Australia’s most trusted brand, while online…
The plant captures and digests tiny insects using its leaves which are covered with sticky tentacles.

Perth Researchers Uncover Remarkable Rare Carnivorous Plant

In an exhilarating development for conservationists, a significant patch of one of…
D-Day for Lehrmann after another return to lion's den

Lehrmann Faces Pivotal Court Decision: A Day of Reckoning in High-Stakes Legal Battle

Bruce Lehrmann, a former political aide, awaits a pivotal decision regarding his…