U.S. Urges Israel to Expand Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Threatens Weapon Supply Cutoff"
The Biden administration has warned Israel that it may risk losing access to U.S. weapons if it does not allow more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a letter to their Israeli counterparts, urging immediate steps within the next 30 days to increase the delivery of food and other aid to Palestinians. Failure to act could result in restrictions on U.S. military support.
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In the letter, they expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for urgent actions to reverse the situation. This follows a recent decline in aid reaching Gaza, as noted by White House spokesperson John Kirby, who emphasized the administration's consistent concern about ensuring humanitarian access.
Kirby clarified that the letter was not a threat, but a reiteration of the urgency and seriousness surrounding the need for increased aid. A similar request had been made in April, which, according to Kirby, led to a constructive response from Israel.
This letter represents the strongest signal yet from the U.S. to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government since the Gaza conflict began a year ago, potentially signaling a shift in Washington’s support. With just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, the issue of support for Israel could put pressure on Vice President Kamala Harris, who has backed Israel’s right to self-defense while acknowledging the immense suffering in Gaza.
On the same day the letter was sent, the U.S. balanced its criticism by announcing the deployment of troops and advanced THAAD anti-missile systems to Israel, underscoring continued military backing.
Meanwhile, as Israeli forces expand operations in northern Gaza, concerns persist about the lack of access to essential supplies. Aid groups have warned of famine and worsening conditions after a year of war sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
In recent months, the delivery of food has sharply declined due to new Israeli customs regulations and reduced business-organized shipments. The letter from the Biden administration included specific actions Israel must take within 30 days, such as allowing at least 350 trucks of aid into Gaza daily, pausing military operations to facilitate aid deliveries, and revoking evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians when unnecessary.
The Biden administration has warned Israel that it may risk losing access to U.S. weapons if it does not allow more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a letter to their Israeli counterparts, urging immediate steps within the next 30 days to increase the delivery of food and other aid to Palestinians. Failure to act could result in restrictions on U.S. military support.
See video
In the letter, they expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for urgent actions to reverse the situation. This follows a recent decline in aid reaching Gaza, as noted by White House spokesperson John Kirby, who emphasized the administration's consistent concern about ensuring humanitarian access.
Kirby clarified that the letter was not a threat, but a reiteration of the urgency and seriousness surrounding the need for increased aid. A similar request had been made in April, which, according to Kirby, led to a constructive response from Israel.
This letter represents the strongest signal yet from the U.S. to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government since the Gaza conflict began a year ago, potentially signaling a shift in Washington’s support. With just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, the issue of support for Israel could put pressure on Vice President Kamala Harris, who has backed Israel’s right to self-defense while acknowledging the immense suffering in Gaza.
On the same day the letter was sent, the U.S. balanced its criticism by announcing the deployment of troops and advanced THAAD anti-missile systems to Israel, underscoring continued military backing.
Meanwhile, as Israeli forces expand operations in northern Gaza, concerns persist about the lack of access to essential supplies. Aid groups have warned of famine and worsening conditions after a year of war sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
In recent months, the delivery of food has sharply declined due to new Israeli customs regulations and reduced business-organized shipments. The letter from the Biden administration included specific actions Israel must take within 30 days, such as allowing at least 350 trucks of aid into Gaza daily, pausing military operations to facilitate aid deliveries, and revoking evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians when unnecessary.
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