On October 15, the United States issued a stark warning to Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, suggesting that if Israel fails to improve its humanitarian efforts, the U.S. may consider suspending arms shipments. In a firm ultimatum, the Biden administration has given Israel a 30-day deadline to ensure that humanitarian aid flows into Gaza, which is vital for providing food, medical supplies, and other essentials to the Palestinian population.
The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration has intensified its pressure on Israel this week, urging immediate action to alleviate the dire conditions faced by Gazans. High-ranking U.S. officials have conveyed that if no improvements are observed within the month, punitive measures, including a potential suspension of military assistance, may be on the table.
In a letter sent on October 13, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, demanding urgent steps to ensure that non-combatants in Gaza can access necessary supplies. The letter criticized Israeli actions, asserting that they have led to a severe deterioration of the situation in Gaza.
Austin and Blinken emphasized that if Israel remains unresponsive, the Biden administration will fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, which includes protecting civilians and humanitarian facilities during wartime. The U.S. may adjust its military assistance to Israel based on the circumstances.
The Washington Post analysis suggests that this letter allows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration a month to comply, hinting at a potential delay in action until after the U.S. presidential election.
While the letter did not explicitly mention suspending arms transfers, it warned that failure to commit to providing essential aid to the desperate people of Gaza could lead to a reduction or halt of military support from the U.S.
This communication highlights a growing tension between the U.S. and its close ally Israel. Following the October 7 attack by Hamas, backed by Iran, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has strained U.S.-Israel relations, even as the U.S. has remained supportive. Concerns are rising in Washington about the escalating unrest in the Middle East, particularly as Israel continues to target Hezbollah, an Iranian-supported Lebanese militia.
The Pentagon has deployed U.S. forces and provided defense equipment to support Israel. The U.S. contributes approximately $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually. An Israeli official has stated that they are currently assessing the implications of the Biden administration’s letter.
Recently, more than 40 countries condemned Israel for its actions that led to the deaths of UN peacekeeping forces.
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