Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the U.S. State Department resigns in protest of Washington's Gaza war policy

Hala Gharit, the Arabic-speaking spokesperson and deputy of the media center of the U.S. State Department in Dubai, has resigned from her position. According to Reuters, the reason for her resignation has been stated as opposition to Washington's policy regarding the Gaza war. According to the U.S. State Department's website, Hala Gharit joined the State Department nearly two decades ago as a political and human rights officer. She wrote on the social network LinkedIn: 'After 18 years of distinguished service, I announced my resignation in April 2024 in opposition to U.S. Gaza policy.' Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said on Thursday, May 6, during a press conference that the department has channels for its workforce to share their views if they disagree with government policies. Hala Gharit's resignation is the third resignation from the U.S. State Department over opposition to the Gaza war. Nearly a month ago, Annel Shelin from the State Department's Human Rights Office, and before her, Josh Paul, a State Department official, announced their resignations last October. Tarek Habash, a senior official at the U.S. Department of Education who is Palestinian-American, also resigned from his position in January of this year. According to this report, the United States has faced domestic and global criticism regarding Israel's attacks on Gaza, which have left tens of thousands dead and, according to relief organizations, have caused a humanitarian crisis, due to its support for that country. This comes as Joe Biden, the President of the United States, and several American officials have repeatedly called for an end to the war and assistance to civilians in Gaza in recent months.