The United States has issued a stark warning to Israel, urging it to significantly increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza within the next 30 days or face potential restrictions on U.S. military funding. The warning, communicated through a letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlights mounting concerns within the Biden administration over Israel's handling of aid amid its ongoing offensive against Hamas.
The letter, dated Sunday, outlines specific steps Israel must take to ensure aid reaches Gaza. Among the requirements are enabling a minimum of 350 trucks per day to enter the Palestinian territory, instituting humanitarian pauses in military operations to facilitate aid delivery, and providing increased security for humanitarian sites. The letter emphasizes that Israel's compliance with these conditions is essential for it to continue qualifying for U.S. foreign military financing.
In a press briefing, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller underscored the urgency of the situation, pointing out that aid deliveries have fallen sharply. "The level of assistance making it into Gaza has fallen by over 50% from where it was at its peak," Miller noted, adding that Blinken and Austin saw the need to reiterate the importance of maintaining a steady flow of humanitarian support.
The letter, which Axios reported and shared online, reflects growing frustration within the Biden administration over Israel's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite previous requests to scale back offensive operations against Hamas and facilitate aid access, Israeli airstrikes have continued, leading to significant civilian casualties. A recent airstrike on a hospital tent site in central Gaza killed at least four people, further straining relations between the two allies.
White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby emphasized that the letter was not intended as a threat but as a reminder of the urgency and seriousness of the humanitarian crisis. "The letter was simply meant to reiterate the sense of urgency we feel and the seriousness with which we feel it, about the need for an increase, a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance," Kirby told reporters. He confirmed that Israel had received the letter but declined to discuss its contents further.
According to an Israeli official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the diplomatic exchange, the U.S. did express "humanitarian concerns" and pressed Israel to expedite aid efforts in Gaza. However, the official did not elaborate on how Israel planned to respond to the ultimatum.
The U.N. humanitarian office has raised alarms about the worsening situation in Gaza. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that aid entering Gaza is at its lowest level in months. He highlighted that the remaining three hospitals operating in northern Gaza face dire shortages of fuel, medications, and supplies, with dwindling food stocks posing further challenges. "There is barely any food left to distribute, and most bakeries will be forced to shut down again in just days without any additional fuel," Dujarric said.
The U.S. warning comes as aid organizations and international bodies express fears that Israeli leaders may escalate efforts to block aid deliveries to northern Gaza in an attempt to weaken Hamas. Such a move could potentially trap hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without access to essential resources like food, water, and medicine.
The Biden administration's letter cited Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibits military aid to countries that impede the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. It also referenced a National Security Memorandum issued by President Biden in February, which requires the State Department to verify that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons does not violate international law. The letter thus serves as the most direct message yet to Israel regarding the potential consequences of its military actions on American support.
The stakes are high, with the U.S. having spent at least $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since the conflict in Gaza escalated in October 2023. This aid has enabled Israel to purchase munitions for its operations in Gaza and Lebanon, but the Biden administration's demands signal a shift in its approach, aiming to balance support for Israel with ensuring adherence to international humanitarian standards.
The administration's frustration also stems from the broader impact of the conflict on civilian life. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 42,000 people have died since the start of Israel's retaliatory offensive, with the majority being women and children. While Israel maintains that it targets Hamas fighters and infrastructure, international observers and humanitarian organizations continue to highlight the high civilian toll.
Despite the warnings, Israel has defended its actions, asserting that its military operations are in compliance with international law. The Israeli government claims that its airstrikes focus on Hamas militants who operate within civilian areas, including hospitals. However, recent footage from Gaza showing the aftermath of a strike on a hospital tent-where several civilians appeared to be trapped in flames-has drawn sharp criticism and intensified calls for accountability.
Matthew Miller from the State Department acknowledged that the Biden administration has repeatedly urged Israel to address the humanitarian crisis, with mixed results. "We very much want to see changes not wait for 30 days, but happen immediately," Miller stated, reiterating the administration's impatience.
