The United States sends a letter to Israel- Allowing humanitarian aid to Gaza, otherwise it may cut off military aid_1

The U.S. government has issued a stern warning to Israel, emphasizing the necessity of increasing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza within the next 30 days. If Israel fails to follow through, there could be consequences for U.S. military assistance to the nation.

According to CBS, a letter jointly signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 13 expresses Washington’s deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The letter urges the Israeli government to take urgent and sustained action to reverse this trend, or else it may influence U.S. policy.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Blinken had previously sent a similar letter to Israeli officials back in April, which led to a temporary increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, that boost was short-lived, and the amount of aid has since dropped by more than 50% from its peak. Blinken believes it’s crucial to communicate to Israel the need for increasing aid levels, which are currently very low.

In the letter, Blinken and Austin assert that in order for Israel to continue receiving foreign military assistance, it must ramp up humanitarian deliveries to Gaza, notably ensuring that at least 350 trucks carrying supplies enter the territory each day. They have given Israel a 30-day time frame to respond to these demands and enhance the security of humanitarian sites.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby clarified that this letter should not be seen as a threat but rather as a reaffirmation of the urgency and seriousness with which the U.S. views the need for significantly increased humanitarian aid.

An Israeli official confirmed the receipt of the letter but refrained from discussing its content, only mentioning that the U.S. raised humanitarian concerns and pressed Israel to expedite aid delivery to Gaza.