In a significant development regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United States has issued an ultimatum to Israel, demanding that it allow humanitarian aid into the region within 30 days to continue receiving military support. This warning comes as the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 42,000, with the situation described as increasingly dire by U.S. officials. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for Israel to permit the entry of at least 350 trucks of aid daily, a stark increase from the current levels, which have been severely restricted due to ongoing military operations. The Israeli Supreme Court has also urged the government to address the blockade preventing the evacuation of wounded individuals from Gaza, with a deadline set for November 11 to report on the situation.
The letter from the U.S. government highlights a dual strategy aimed at balancing military support for Israel while addressing humanitarian concerns. The Biden administration is facing heightened domestic pressure to act on the humanitarian situation, especially in light of the upcoming presidential elections. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to Israel's right to self-defense but is increasingly vocal about the need for Israel to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza. The Israeli government has indicated it will respond to U.S. demands, suggesting that it views this as an opportunity to rectify the humanitarian crisis and align with international expectations regarding aid access.
In parallel, the U.S. has deployed the THAAD missile defense system to Israel to bolster its defense capabilities against threats from Iran, signaling continued military support despite the criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The situation remains complex, as the U.S. navigates its strategic partnership with Israel while responding to global outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
