The Biden administration is pressuring Israel to improve access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, warning that military assistance could be suspended if conditions don’t improve within 30 days.
In a letter dated October 13, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli officials to ensure civilians in Gaza have access to food, medicine, and other essentials. They attributed the worsening situation to Israeli actions and lawlessness in Gaza.
The letter, sent to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, emphasizes that U.S. laws and policies require the protection of civilians and the facilitation of aid during wartime as a condition for continuing arms supplies. Though the letter doesn’t explicitly mention suspending arms transfers, it implies that the U.S. may take that step if Israel fails to meet the humanitarian requirements within the set deadline.
This warning comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas, following an attack on Israel by the militant group on October 7, 2023.
Additionally, concerns are growing in Washington over the instability spreading across the Middle East, with Israel also clashing with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Pentagon officials reiterated the need for Israel to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, while Israeli officials acknowledged the issue and indicated they are reviewing the U.S. demands.
The U.S. provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, making it Israel’s largest external backer.
