U.S. Aid Deadline and Israel’s Response
Despite a looming deadline set by the United States to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, recent reports indicate that Israel is still permitting a significantly reduced amount of food and essential supplies into the region compared to the months prior to the ultimatum. According to official figures released by Israeli authorities, the volume of aid remains alarmingly low.
In a letter dated October 13, signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the Biden administration issued a firm warning to Israel, providing a 30-day window to increase humanitarian shipments into Gaza or potentially face repercussions in the form of military aid cuts. The letter highlighted that aid shipments to Gaza had reached their lowest point in September, even before the devastating Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
In the weeks following this announcement, there has been a modest increase in the number of trucks entering Gaza. Just prior to the American deadline, Israel indicated several policy adjustments aimed at facilitating aid. However, the total volume of humanitarian and commercial goods entering Gaza since October 13 has remained significantly below the levels demanded by the Biden administration and is considerably lower than the figures recorded in September.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Biden administration clarified that it does not intend to act on its threat to cut military assistance to Israel after the deadline has passed. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel acknowledged that while Israel has made crucial changes, he emphasized that “there needs to be more progress.” He further stated that the administration has not determined Israel to be in violation of U.S. law regarding the flow of aid.
The stark decline in the availability of food, medical supplies, and other critical necessities coincided with an Israeli policy decision made in early October to halt all commercial activities in the territory. This measure was justified on the grounds that Hamas was allegedly benefiting from the trade. Furthermore, Israel has recently initiated a significant military offensive against Hamas in North Gaza, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of residents from their homes.
