Federal judge recuses himself from Gaza case amid allegations of bias

Judge Ryan Nelson of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has recused himself from a case challenging the Biden administration’s Gaza policy.

Nelson had participated in a judicial delegation that toured Israel.

Plaintiffs, including Palestinian human rights organizations, and Palestinian and American nationals, argued Nelson’s involvement compromised impartiality.

While disputing these claims, Nelson stepped down “out of an abundance of caution.”

The case accuses top U.S. officials of aiding Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Baher Azmy, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of perceived fairness due to the case’s gravity.