The US government has issued a letter to Israel, setting a 30-day deadline for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza or facing potential cuts in military assistance.
This communication represents the sternest warning from the US to its ally amid an intensified Israeli offensive in northern Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
The letter expresses grave concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis, pointing out that Israel obstructed nearly 90% of humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza last month.
Israel has not responded publicly but maintains that its military objectives target Hamas operatives while humanitarian aid continues to flow.
On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed that 30 aid-laden trucks from the World Food Programme successfully entered northern Gaza, marking the end of a two-week period during which the UN reported no food aid deliveries to the region. This has left essential supplies running low for approximately 400,000 Palestinians.
The US is a significant arms supplier to Israel, with the Israeli military relying extensively on American-sourced aircraft and munitions in its ongoing conflict with Hamas over the past year.
The contents of the US letter, which has been confirmed by the state department, reveal pressing concerns about humanitarian access in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the letter.
The communication states, “We are writing to underscore the US government’s deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and seek urgent action by your government this month to reverse this trajectory.”
It highlights that Israeli evacuation orders have forced 1.7 million individuals into the crowded al-Mawasi area, where they are exposed to severe health risks due to overcrowding. Humanitarian organizations report that vital needs are unable to be met.
Concerns are raised regarding various Israeli actions, including halting commercial imports and heavy restrictions on humanitarian movements, contributing to the rapid deterioration of conditions in Gaza.
The letter insists that Israel must take immediate action within 30 days to enhance aid deliveries, warning that failure may affect future US policy. Provisions in US laws can prevent military aid to nations that obstruct US humanitarian assistance.
Israel is urged to increase humanitarian assistance across Gaza before winter, with a minimum of 350 trucks required to enter daily through all major crossings, and to allow movement for residents in the al-Mawasi area.
Additionally, Israel is called to end the “isolation of northern Gaza” by making it clear there will be “no forced evacuation of civilians” into southern regions.
At a press conference in Washington, a state department spokesperson characterized the letter as “a private diplomatic communication.” They emphasized the need for changes to ensure sufficient aid reaches Gaza.
The spokesperson declined to predict any consequences if Israel does not comply but reiterated adherence to US law regarding humanitarian assistance.
The state department clarified that the 30-day period was not connected to the upcoming US presidential election but was intended to facilitate necessary discussions.
Israel has consistently maintained that there are no limits on the quantity of humanitarian aid accessible to Gaza and has blamed UN agencies for distribution failures, while accusing Hamas of misappropriating aid. Hamas has denied these allegations.
In a recent development, the International Committee of the Red Cross has sounded alarms about families in northern Gaza enduring severe trauma due to the ongoing military actions.
The Israeli military has reportedly intensified operations in the Jabalia area to counter Hamas forces, issuing evacuation orders to local residents.
With substantial humanitarian challenges, the UN indicates that thousands have been displaced, while many remain unable to leave due to safety concerns or physical limitations.
Reports indicate that numerous casualties have resulted from air and artillery strikes during the ongoing conflict, raising urgent calls for improved humanitarian conditions.
Israel’s military campaign to eliminate Hamas was triggered by the October 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations. Since then, the humanitarian toll in Gaza has been devastating, with thousands reported killed.
