U.S. Issues Ultimatum to Israel

In a powerful move signaling mounting frustration within the Biden administration, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have issued a stark warning to Israel. They emphasize that unless Israel significantly boosts humanitarian aid into Gaza within the next 30 days, it risks losing access to vital U.S. weapons funding.

Details of the Ultimatum

In a letter dated Sunday, Blinken and Austin detailed their expectations, emphasizing that the deterioration of conditions in northern Gaza necessitates immediate action. This comes on the heels of a tragic Israeli airstrike on a hospital tent site in central Gaza that tragically claimed at least four lives.

Previously, a letter from Blinken in April had successfully increased aid flow into Gaza, but recent reports indicate that assistance has plummeted by over 50% since its peak. 'The Secretary, along with Secretary Austin, believed it was essential to reiterate to the Israeli government the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance,' said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Requirements Set by the U.S.

To maintain eligibility for foreign military financing, the U.S. demands that Israel facilitate the entry of at least 350 trucks of aid daily into Gaza, implement humanitarian pauses, and enhance security at humanitarian sites. Today’s letter explicitly laid out these requirements, with a clear deadline.

Israeli Acknowledgment and International Concerns

Confirmation of the letter was received from an Israeli official, who provided that acknowledgment without delving into its specifics. This correspondence highlights the Biden administration's serious humanitarian concerns, amid rising casualties and increasing civilian hardships.

Recent Israeli military operations have drawn international scrutiny and concern due to their high civilian toll. Humanitarian organizations fear that Israeli leaders might escalate their stance, potentially sealing off aid to northern Gaza in a bid to weaken Hamas. Such actions could endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who depend on this crucial assistance for survival.

Deteriorating Humanitarian Conditions

United Nations officials have reported that, for the first time in months, the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza has reached alarmingly low levels, with UN data indicating only about 80 trucks have entered since October 1—a stark drop from the previous 60 trucks per day.

U.S. Concerns and Military Assistance