[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.
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