Reuters reported that the US is closely monitoring Israel’s actions in Gaza to ensure they align with their promises of aid. Following a letter from the US giving Israel 30 days to improve humanitarian access or risk losing military assistance, the first aid in two weeks was delivered to northern Gaza. The leaked letter, signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, criticized Israel’s obstruction of aid deliveries and forced relocation of civilians. The letter called for a different approach to aid operations, emphasizing the importance of expediting aid rather than imposing restrictions.
The US expressed concern over proposed laws that would affect UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and warned that restrictions on aid would have devastating consequences for the people of Gaza and the West Bank. The letter highlighted Israel’s tightening restrictions on aid deliveries, leading to a significant decrease in assistance entering Gaza. The US called for the removal of obstacles to aid delivery, including increasing the number of vetted drivers and easing customs checks.
The letter also addressed Israel’s actions in northern Gaza, where civilians were at risk due to extreme overcrowding and forced relocation. The US demanded continuous access to northern Gaza for aid agencies and urged Israel to allow civilians to move inland before winter. The letter had immediate results, with Israel allowing convoys of aid lorries into Gaza for the first time since October. However, the US acknowledged that more needs to be done to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, especially in the absence of a ceasefire.
Israel has been given 30 days to address the issues raised in the letter, with the US presidential election looming. The Biden administration is unlikely to restrict weapons shipments to Israel before the election, given the potential for a wider conflict with Iran. If Vice-President Kamala Harris wins, the administration will have more leverage to ensure Israel complies with humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.