
The Biden administration weighs military aid suspension to Israel due to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid looming political implications.
At a Glance
- The U.S. issued an ultimatum to Israel demanding improvements in Gaza within 30 days.
- Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened, attributed to Israeli restrictions.
- Potential aid cuts weigh on US-Israel relations, driven by political concerns.
- NGOs urge the U.S. to suspend arms to Israel, citing international law violations.
Biden’s Ultimatum to Israel
The Biden administration sent a letter, demanding Israel improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza within 30 days to avoid impacting U.S. weapons supply. Israel’s reliance on U.S. military aid makes this a critical issue. The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza has escalated, prompting U.S. scrutiny.
U.S. law mandates that countries receiving military aid allow uninterrupted U.S.-supported humanitarian aid transfers. The letter from Secretary Antony Blinken and Secretary Lloyd Austin indicates Israel is not meeting its commitments. The demands are the most comprehensive from the U.S. since the conflict began.
A long-overdue move: the Biden administration’s warning to Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza is a necessary step. We’ve been calling for military aid to be conditioned on compliance with U.S. and international humanitarian law for over a year. Read more about the…
— Emgage Action (@EmgageAction) October 15, 2024
Current Humanitarian Situation
The worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza has raised alarms, especially Israel’s operations in the northern Gaza Strip. The U.S. demands include transferring 350 aid trucks daily and opening a new border crossing to alleviate the blockade’s effects.
Calls for humanitarian pauses to distribute aid and clear pathways for Palestinians to move inland before winter exemplify the urgent need. The pending Israeli bill to sever ties with UNRWA could severely impact humanitarian efforts.
The Biden administration sharply intensified pressure on Israel to improve dire conditions for civilians in the Gaza Strip, potentially including a suspension of military aid, if the flow of humanitarian assistance is not increased within a month. https://t.co/wjBNIXYWKA
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 15, 2024
Political and Legal Ramifications
Non-governmental organizations have written to President Biden urging a suspension of U.S. arms transfers to Israel, citing potential violations of international and U.S. law. The NGOs stress that U.S. complicity in potential war crimes could harm its standing. Political motivations may influence the administration’s stance.
Israel has responded, claiming no limits on aid delivery and accusing Hamas of misappropriating humanitarian supplies. As Secretary Austin emphasized the need for action, Israel reviewed the demands with a cooperative stance towards U.S. counterparts.
Sources:
U.S. demands Israel improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza or risk military aid
US gives Israel 30 days to boost Gaza aid or risk cut to military support
U.S. Warns Israel of Military Aid Cut if Gazans Don’t Get More Supplies
NGOs to President Biden: End Arms Transfers to Israel Amid Continued Violations of US Law & Policy
US Reportedly Warns It Could Cut Israeli Military Aid If Gaza Situation Doesn’t Improve
U.S. warns Israel it may restrict military aid if Gaza humanitarian situation doesn’t improve
Critics: US ultimatum to Israel a ‘cynical’ election ploy