The United States has issued Israel a 30-day deadline to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning of potential restrictions on arms shipments. This move marks the strongest ultimatum from the US since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the conflict in the region over a year ago.
In a joint letter, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called on Israel to take concrete actions to improve the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. The letter was sent while the Israeli military continued its offensive by bombing a hospital tent site in central Gaza, resulting in casualties.
The US officials expressed concern over Israel’s denial of about 90% of humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza last month. They highlighted the impact of Israeli government actions in exacerbating the worsening conditions in Gaza, including restrictions on the entry of essential goods into the region.
To continue receiving military funding from the US, Israel must fulfil specific requirements outlined in the letter within the 30-day deadline. These include increasing aid deliveries into Gaza to at least 350 trucks per day, implementing additional humanitarian pauses, and enhancing security measures at aid distribution sites.
Failure to demonstrate a sustained commitment to these measures could have implications for US policy, citing Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibits military aid to countries hindering US humanitarian assistance.
Israeli human rights groups have raised alarms about Israel’s blockade of northern Gaza, leading to severe shortages for the Palestinian population. The UN World Food Program stated its inability to deliver food to over a million Palestinians due to restricted access to aid supplies, with no essential items entering the region since October 1.
An Israeli official in Washington DC acknowledged receiving the US letter and affirmed Israel’s intention to address the concerns raised. The White House stressed the urgency of increasing humanitarian assistance in Gaza, emphasising the need for immediate action.
This deadline underscores a shift in US policy towards Israel’s actions in Gaza, indicating a stronger stance against obstructing humanitarian aid delivery. The Biden administration’s move to potentially suspend military aid underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of upholding international humanitarian law.