The US has issued a 30-day deadline to Israel, urging the country to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on arms shipments. This development marks the strongest ultimatum since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the conflict in the embattled region over a year ago.
In a letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to their Israeli counterparts, concrete measures were demanded to address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave. This ultimatum comes amidst reports of the Israeli military bombing a hospital tent in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, one of whom was seen burning alive while still connected to an IV line in a video.
The secretaries expressed concern over Israel’s denial or hindrance of approximately 90% of humanitarian movements between north and south Gaza in the previous month. Israel was called out for its restrictions on goods entering Gaza, which were described as excessive and burdensome.
To continue receiving military financing from the US, Israel was given specific steps to follow within the 30-day deadline. These steps include increasing aid into Gaza to a minimum of 350 trucks per day, implementing additional humanitarian pauses, and enhancing security at aid delivery sites.
Failure to exhibit a sustained commitment to these measures could have implications for US policy, as highlighted in the letter referencing Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act. This section prohibits the provision of military aid to any country that obstructs the delivery of US humanitarian assistance.
Israeli human rights groups have raised alarms, accusing Israel of laying siege to northern Gaza and causing starvation among the Palestinian population. Reports suggest that Israel is quietly implementing the “Generals’ Plan” to declare northern Gaza a closed military zone.
The UN World Food Program lamented its inability to deliver food to over a million Palestinians due to constrained access to aid supplies. The main crossings into northern Gaza have reportedly been closed since 1 October because of Israel’s renewed bombing campaign, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In response to the letter from the US secretaries, an Israeli official in Washington DC confirmed receipt of the communication and stated that Israel intends to address the concerns raised. The White House reiterated the importance of increasing humanitarian assistance in Gaza through its national security spokesperson, John Kirby.
This warning from the US to Israel has been seen as significant, with calls for the Biden administration to not just issue statements but to enforce laws prohibiting aid to Israel given its hindrance of humanitarian relief and actions in Gaza. This move by the US follows a similar letter sent by Blinken in April, which reportedly led to positive changes in aid delivery to Gaza at the time.