The US has issued an ultimatum to Israel, giving them 30 days to increase Gaza aid or face potential cuts to military support.
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has issued a stern warning to its long-standing ally, Israel. The message is clear: boost humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days, or face potential cuts to U.S. military support. This development marks a significant shift in the dynamics between the two nations and highlights the dire situation in Gaza.
The Letter That Shook Israel
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a letter to the Israeli government. The contents of this letter, now confirmed by the State Department, reveal deep concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The letter points out that Israel blocked nearly 90% of aid movements between northern and southern Gaza last month. It also criticizes recent Israeli actions, including:
- Stopping commercial imports
- Putting up barriers to humanitarian aid
- We are imposing strict rules on aid workers and shipments.
These actions, combined with increased lawlessness and looting, are making life even harder for people in Gaza.
The Ultimatum
The U.S. has given Israel a 30-day deadline to take concrete steps to increase aid supplies. If Israel fails to act, it could face “implications for U.S. policy.” This warning refers to U.S. laws that can stop military aid to countries that block U.S. humanitarian assistance.
The letter includes several key demands.
- All major crossings permit at least 350 aid trucks to pass through each day.
- We are opening a new, fifth crossing for relief.
- Letting people in the al-Mawasi area move inland
- Ending the “isolation of northern Gaza”
- I am promising not to force civilians to move from north to south Gaza.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
The situation in Gaza is dire. A UN official described it as a “constant peak emergency.” The narrow al-Mawasi area is home to about 1.7 million people, who face extreme overcrowding and the risk of disease outbreaks.
Around 400,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza are without essential supplies. For two weeks, no food aid reached this area. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that people in the north are completely dependent on aid, with almost no access to fresh food except what UN agencies provide.
Israel’s Response and Previous Actions
Israel is reviewing the letter and says it takes the matter seriously. The country has previously claimed there are no limits on aid entering Gaza and blames UN agencies for not distributing supplies effectively. Israel also accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.
Recently, Israel allowed 30 aid trucks from the WFP to enter northern Gaza through the Erez crossing. This move ended a two-week period without food aid deliveries to the north.
The Bigger Picture
This ultimatum comes at a critical time. Israel is carrying out a new offensive in northern Gaza, reportedly causing many civilian casualties. The Israeli military says it’s targeting Hamas fighters in places like Jabalia, but residents describe living in constant fear due to intense bombing.
The U.S. is Israel’s biggest arms supplier, providing crucial support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This relationship makes the threat of cutting military aid particularly significant.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on Israel as the 30-day clock ticks. Will the country take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza? Or will it risk losing some U.S. military support?
The outcome of this ultimatum could have far-reaching effects on:
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- U.S.-Israel relations
- There is an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- Regional stability in the Middle East
As the situation unfolds, the world watches and waits to see how Israel will respond to this unprecedented pressure from its closest ally.
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