US Warns Israel: Military Aid at Risk Over Gaza Humanitarian Blockade
The first humanitarian aid convoy in two weeks has entered northern Gaza, following a stern letter from the United States that warned Israel it has 30 days to improve humanitarian access or face potential cuts to military assistance. This letter, sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, represents the Biden administration’s sharpest public criticism yet of Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza. The letter, which was leaked to Israeli media, laid out a detailed plan for a new approach, urging Israel to expedite aid rather than restrict it.
The letter challenges Israel’s long-standing policies that have obstructed aid deliveries and criticized the forcible relocation of civilians, leaving 1.7 million Palestinians at risk of disease. It also questioned Israel’s attacks on the UN agency UNRWA, which serves Palestinian refugees, and highlighted the potential devastation that cutting UNRWA’s operations would have on education and welfare services in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The US conveyed deep concern over proposed Israeli legislation that could undermine UNRWA’s privileges, particularly the confiscation of its headquarters in East Jerusalem to be used for Jewish settlements. Although Israel has expressed concerns about the misuse of aid, accusing Hamas of stealing and reselling it, the US letter placed the emphasis squarely on Israel’s tightening restrictions on Gaza, especially in the north.
Israel’s actions in northern Gaza have drawn global criticism, with some accusing the government of employing a “surrender or starve” tactic, and there are fears that humanitarian supplies are being used as a tool of war. The letter urges Israel to reverse the forced evacuations in Gaza and grant aid organizations full access, warning that continued restrictions could lead to severe humanitarian consequences, especially as winter approaches.
Though Israel allowed some aid trucks to enter Gaza following the letter, it remains uncertain whether these actions will significantly improve the deteriorating situation. Israel has been given 30 days to address the US demands, though the timing coincides with the upcoming US presidential election. If Biden remains in power, pressure on Israel is likely to continue, but a Trump victory could shift US policy, giving Israel more freedom to act without fear of repercussions.
President Biden, criticized for his unwavering support of Israel, now faces a critical moment in his presidency. His administration’s letter is seen as a last-ditch effort to steer Israel towards a more humanitarian approach, but with the regional conflict expanding, Biden’s influence over Israel’s actions seems increasingly uncertain. Whether this US intervention can prevent further suffering in Gaza remains to be seen.
