US warns Israel to improve Gaza humanitarian conditions or risk military aid

The United States has issued a stern warning to Israel, urging immediate steps to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza or face potential restrictions on US military aid.

This is the clearest signal yet that US support may waver if Israel does not act swiftly to improve the situation in the Palestinian enclave, which has been under intense bombardment since Israel’s conflict with Hamas began in October 2023.

In a letter sent on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanded that Israel take concrete actions within the next 30 days.

These actions include allowing 350 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza daily, instituting pauses in military operations to facilitate aid deliveries, and rescinding evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians unless there is a clear operational necessity.

The letter highlights Washington’s concern over Israel’s restrictions on commercial imports and humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza, as well as "excessive" limitations on goods entering the territory.

While the Biden administration has supported Israel militarily throughout the Gaza conflict, this letter suggests a shift. It references Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibits military aid to countries that block US humanitarian assistance.

The letter also notes a National Security Memorandum issued by President Biden in February that requires a review of Israel’s compliance with US and international law regarding the use of US weapons.

Though White House spokesperson John Kirby stated that the letter was not a direct threat, he emphasized the importance of improving the humanitarian situation.

An Israeli official in Washington acknowledged receipt of the letter, stating that Israel "takes this matter seriously."

The conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

The UN has described the humanitarian restrictions in Gaza as the worst since the conflict began.

Israeli forces have expanded their operations into northern Gaza, exacerbating the crisis. Earlier this week, reports emerged of Palestinians burning alive in a hospital tent after an Israeli missile strike.

The Israeli military claims Hamas uses civilian sites, including hospitals, as command centers, accusations that Hamas denies.

Despite these warnings, the US reaffirmed its military support for Israel by announcing the deployment of US troops and advanced anti-missile systems, including the THAAD battery, to Israel.

This move underscores the Biden administration’s challenge of balancing its support for Israel with concerns over the growing civilian toll in Gaza.

The letter sent to Israel on Sunday is not the first warning. In April, Blinken and Biden both cautioned Israel that US policy could be impacted by its actions in Gaza.

While Israel initially responded by allowing more trucks into Gaza, recent aid deliveries have dropped by more than 50%, according to US officials.

The situation in Gaza remains dire as Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hamas militants, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

Washington’s ultimatum places additional pressure on Israel to ease restrictions and address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.