State Department Employee Resigns Publicly in Protest of Gaza Policy

A State Department human rights employee is stepping down due to the Biden administration’s support of actions that could potentially constitute a genocide in Gaza, as acknowledged by the International Court of Justice.

Annelle Sheline, who wrote an opinion piece for CNN revealing her decision, worked as a foreign affairs officer at the Office of Near Eastern Affairs within the Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. She expressed her inability to continue working for an administration that condones such atrocities.

In her column published on Wednesday, she stated, “The United States’ credibility as a human rights advocate has significantly diminished since the conflict began.”

Sheline also highlighted her frustration in trying to reach out to civil society members and aid Palestinian journalists in Gaza, who face detainment and violence. She emphasized the lack of action from the US government in protecting them, with 90 Palestinian journalists having been killed in the past five months in Gaza.

By resigning publicly, Sheline acknowledged that she is likely closing the door on a future at the State Department. Despite initially intending for a private resignation due to her short tenure, she was urged by colleagues to speak out on their behalf.

Sheline noted that other federal employees attempted to influence policy for months but were unsuccessful. She expressed outrage at the administration’s disregard for American laws that forbid aiding foreign militaries engaged in severe human rights violations or restricting humanitarian aid.