The US government's decision to continue military aid to Israel highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election and the potential re-election of Donald Trump, who has historically supported Israel.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by ongoing military operations, which have led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, raising concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza may continue to deteriorate if aid access does not improve, potentially leading to increased international pressure on the US and Israel.
With the re-election of Donald Trump, there may be a shift in US foreign policy that could further align with Israeli interests, impacting future humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
US Military Aid to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
Despite the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the United States government has announced its intention to continue military support for Israel. This decision comes even after a deadline set by the US for Israel to improve conditions in Gaza has expired, with US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel stating that there has been no violation of US law regarding military assistance. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with aid organizations reporting severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
In mid-October, the US urged Israel to enhance humanitarian access to Gaza, setting a 30-day deadline for compliance. However, international aid groups have indicated that Israel has failed to meet the majority of these demands. A report from eight organizations, including Oxfam and Care, highlighted that Israel had not fully complied with 15 out of 19 requested steps to improve aid access. The report noted that the situation has deteriorated further, particularly in northern Gaza, where civilians face dire conditions due to ongoing military operations.
New Humanitarian Crossing and Ongoing Military Operations
In response to international pressure, Israel announced the opening of a new crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Kissufim crossing. This development coincides with the expiration of the US deadline and aims to facilitate increased aid deliveries. However, the volume of aid entering Gaza remains significantly below the levels required by the US, with reports indicating that only a fraction of the necessary trucks are being allowed through.
The humanitarian crisis has reached alarming levels, with reports indicating that approximately 800,000 people in Gaza are living in conditions close to famine. Prices for essential goods have skyrocketed, with gas prices increasing by over 2,600%. The ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel last year, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and significant displacement of civilians. The US continues to provide military aid to Israel, despite calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
