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US to Israel: Boost Gaza Aid or Risk Military Aid Cutoff

The United States Gives Israel a Firm Warning to Improve Humanitarian Access to Gaza Within the Next 30 Days

This story at a glanceā€¦

  1. The US warns Israel to boost Gaza aid or risk cuts to military support.

  2. Only 30 aid trucks per day have been entering Gaza, down from 500 pre-conflict.

  3. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, leaving residents desperate for essentials.

  4. The US insists Israel allow 350 aid trucks daily or else aid to Israel might be impacted

  US to Israel: Boost Gaza Aid or Risk Military Aid Cutoff

The United States has issued a strong warning to Israel, giving it a 30-day deadline to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza or risk reductions in US military support. This message, delivered in a letter signed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlights American concerns about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza and urges immediate action to address the situation.

Dwindling Aid to Gaza Raises Alarms
Gaza has seen a severe reduction in humanitarian aid over recent months. Before the escalation of conflict, an average of 500 aid lorries crossed into Gaza each day. Recently, however, this number has plummeted. In early October, only 30 lorries per day could enterā€”a stark decline that has severely limited the flow of essential supplies.

The US letter outlines specific steps Israel should take to restore aid access. These include enabling at least 350 lorries to enter Gaza daily and ensuring safe passage for civilians trapped in the north. The situation in al-Mawasi, where 1.7 million people are crowded into a small coastal area, has become a key concern. The letter warns that failure to act could lead to a review of US policy, potentially affecting the military assistance that Israel heavily relies on.

A Rare Public Rebuke from the US
While the letter was initially intended as a private diplomatic communication, its contents were soon made public, revealing the extent of US frustration with the current situation. "We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza," the letter states, underscoring the urgent need for "sustained actions" to alleviate suffering.

US law prohibits military assistance to nations that hinder the delivery of American humanitarian aid, adding legal weight to the warning. In response, an Israeli official acknowledged the letter, noting that Israel takes the concerns seriously and plans to discuss them further with US officials.

Humanitarian Needs Escalate Amid Ongoing Conflict
The current crisis in Gaza traces back to an October 2023 escalation between Israel and Hamas, resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction. The recent Israeli military actions in northern Gaza have made daily survival increasingly difficult for residents, with many lacking access to food, water, and medical care.

The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have described the situation as a "constant peak emergency," highlighting that the limited aid reaching Gaza is not enough to meet the needs of the population. Reports from the region depict families living in fear, often unable to leave their homes due to heavy bombardment. In areas like Jabalia, where fighting has been intense, residents report that it is nearly impossible to access hospitals or secure essential supplies.

Reflection
Compassion knows no borders, and as we hear of suffering in distant lands, we are reminded of our shared humanity and Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) While the situation may seem beyond our control, we can still respond in faith by praying for those affected and supporting efforts to bring relief to those in need.

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