Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Middle East

US demands urgent action from Israel to address Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • The US has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Israel to improve humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
  • Failure to meet US demands could result in potential cuts to military assistance for Israel.
  • The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with millions facing food insecurity and displacement.

[MIDDLE EAST] The United States has stepped up pressure on Israel to tackle what it describes as a "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza. This development comes amidst growing international concern over the deteriorating conditions faced by Palestinian civilians in the besieged enclave, following months of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas.

US Warning and Demands

The Biden administration has taken an unprecedented step by issuing a written warning to Israel, giving it a 30-day ultimatum to substantially improve humanitarian aid access to Gaza. This stern message, delivered in a letter co-signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for US-Israel relations.

Key Demands from the US:

  • Allow at least 350 trucks of aid to enter Gaza daily
  • Open four main crossings and a proposed fifth crossing
  • Implement "adequate humanitarian pauses" for aid delivery and distribution
  • Revoke evacuation orders unless absolutely necessary for military operations
  • Cease the isolation of northern Gaza

The letter explicitly states that failure to meet these demands could have "implications for US policy," hinting at potential cuts to military assistance12.

Humanitarian Crisis in Numbers

The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is staggering:

  • Over 1.9 million Palestinians displaced
  • Severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies
  • 1.84 million Palestinians facing severe food insecurity
  • 133,000 experiencing "catastrophic" conditions

These figures paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground, highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance.

International Reaction and Criticism

The US warning has sparked a wave of reactions from global leaders and humanitarian organizations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized, "There is no substitute for UNRWA," referring to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed serious concern over the Israeli parliament's decision to ban UNRWA, stating, "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is utterly intolerable. We require an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a substantial increase in aid to Gaza."

Foreign ministers from Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and Norway issued a joint condemnation of Israel's ban on UNRWA, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for the UN and other multilateral organizations.

Israel's Response and Justification

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country's actions, stating, "UNRWA employees engaged in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. While it is crucial to prevent a humanitarian crisis, consistent humanitarian aid must remain accessible in Gaza both now and in the future."

The Israeli government has denied allegations of obstructing humanitarian aid, with its COGAT agency stating it will enhance efforts to facilitate assistance. However, these claims are at odds with reports from the UN and various humanitarian organizations, which have long asserted that access to essential supplies has been significantly hindered.

Legal Implications and US Policy

The US warning to Israel is grounded in existing US law, specifically Section 620 of the Foreign Assistance Act. This law stipulates that no assistance can be provided to countries known to restrict the delivery of US humanitarian aid.

Annie Shiel, director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, commented on social media that the Biden administration appears to be maneuvering bureaucratically to avoid enforcing US law regarding arms transfers to Israel.

The Role of UNRWA and Its Potential Ban

UNRWA has been a crucial lifeline for Palestinian refugees for over seven decades, providing aid, education, healthcare, and support across the Palestinian territories. The recent vote by the Israeli parliament to ban UNRWA from operating in occupied Palestine and Israel has raised serious concerns about the future of humanitarian assistance in the region3.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern about this legislation, stating, "UNRWA performs an indispensable role in delivering aid to Gaza. No one can replace them during this crisis."

The Way Forward

As the 30-day deadline approaches, all eyes are on Israel to see how it will respond to the US demands. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Heba Morayef, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized the dire choice facing civilians in Gaza: "Israel is creating an impossible choice for civilians between starvation and displacement amid relentless bombardments."

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the course of US-Israel relations and, more importantly, the fate of millions of Palestinians caught in the midst of this humanitarian catastrophe. As the world watches, the hope is that swift action will be taken to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 10:30:00 AM

President Biden calls for national unity and calm following Trump's unexpected election victory

[UNITED STATES] President Joe Biden has committed to a "smooth and peaceful transition" of power to Donald Trump, his Republican predecessor and now...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 9:00:00 AM

The impending closure of Hong Kong trade offices in the US?

[WORLD] In the wake of Donald Trump's triumphant return to the White House, the international community finds itself grappling with the potential ramifications...

Politics Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 7:30:00 AM

France and Israel clash over Jerusalem arrest of French officials

[EUROPE] France and Israel find themselves embroiled in a heated dispute following the brief arrest of French officials in Jerusalem. This incident has...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 7:30:00 AM

The race to shape America's new executive branch

[UNITED STATES] As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation about who will form...

Politics Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 7:00:00 AM

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signals potential shift in Gaza military strategy

[MIDDLE EAST] Yoav Gallant, Israel's deposed defense minister, allegedly stated that the army had completed all of its objectives in Gaza and that...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 7:00:00 AM

Trump taps Susie Wiles as new White House Chief of Staff

[UNITED STATES] Former President Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as his new White House Chief of Staff. This strategic move brings a...

Politics Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 8, 2024 at 2:30:00 AM

Six Malaysian UN peacekeepers injured in Lebanon blast

[MALAYSIA] Six Malaysian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured in a blast near the southern Lebanese...

Politics Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 7, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM

What Vietnam's "nuanced diplomatic gesture" means when it comes to the South China Sea conflict with Malaysia

[MALAYSIA] Vietnam's recent silence on a South China Sea dispute with Malaysia has emerged as a fascinating case study in nuanced diplomacy. This...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 7, 2024 at 9:30:00 AM

Unraveling the history of the fall of Kamala

[UNITED STATES] Kamala Harris' journey to the 2024 presidential election was marked by unprecedented circumstances and formidable challenges. As the first woman of...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 7, 2024 at 6:30:00 AM

Trump's pledge to end Ukraine war

[EUROPE] In the wake of Donald Trump's historic victory in the 2024 US presidential election, the world's attention has turned to his bold...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 7, 2024 at 6:00:00 AM

Democratic Party grapples with Harris's 2024 defeat

[UNITED STATES] The 2024 U.S. presidential election has come to a close, with Republican Donald Trump emerging victorious over Vice President Kamala Harris....

Politics Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsNovember 7, 2024 at 3:00:00 AM

IDF bars Palestinian return to Northern Gaza

[MIDDLE EAST] Israeli ground forces are closing in on "the complete evacuation" of northern Gaza, and residents will not be allowed to return,...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege