In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has given Israel a 30-day deadline to improve humanitarian aid access in Gaza or risk reductions in military assistance. This ultimatum, communicated in a letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, underscores the US’s deepening concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The letter highlights the dire conditions faced by the 1.7 million Palestinians concentrated in the al-Mawasi area, where overcrowding has created a “high risk of lethal contagion.” The US has expressed alarm over Israel’s actions, which have reportedly impeded nearly 90% of humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza in the past month.
- Key Concerns Raised:
- Severe restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.
- Halting of commercial imports.
- Increased lawlessness and looting exacerbating the crisis.
The US government is particularly worried about the impact of these actions on the survival needs of the population, which humanitarian organizations report cannot be met under current conditions.
Conditions for Continued Support
The US letter outlines specific measures that Israel must implement within the 30-day timeframe to enhance aid supplies. These include:
- Allowing a minimum of 350 lorries per day to enter Gaza through all major crossings.
- Ending the isolation of northern Gaza and ensuring civilians are not forcibly evacuated.
- Facilitating the movement of people within Gaza to access essential services.
Failure to comply with these demands may lead to implications for US military policy, as US laws prohibit military assistance to countries that obstruct the delivery of US humanitarian aid.
Diplomatic Tensions
This warning marks a notable shift in US-Israel relations, as the US has historically been a staunch ally of Israel, providing significant military support. The letter’s contents, which were initially intended to be private, have now been confirmed by the State Department, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized that the letter was a diplomatic communication aimed at urging Israel to take immediate action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He noted that the 30-day deadline was not linked to the upcoming US presidential election but was intended to provide Israel with adequate time to address the outlined issues.
Israel’s Response
In response to the US letter, Israeli officials have stated that they take the matter seriously and are reviewing the concerns raised. Israel maintains that it is targeting Hamas operatives and has not halted the entry of humanitarian aid. On Monday, the Israeli military reported that aid from the World Food Programme had begun to flow into northern Gaza after a two-week hiatus.
Despite these assurances, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to draw international scrutiny, with calls for greater accountability and support for the affected population.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring Israel’s actions and the potential implications for US-Israel relations, particularly in the context of military support and humanitarian aid.
