Israeli leaders assured Secretary of State Antony Blinken that it is not their policy to isolate northern Gaza, despite the United Nations reporting that requests to bring humanitarian aid to the area have been denied. The U.N. emphasized the urgent need for supplies like blood, medications, food, and fuel to be delivered to hospitals and water facilities in Gaza.
Blinken discussed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza with Israeli officials, who acknowledged the level of U.S. concern. In response to a letter from Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israel has been given 30 days to enhance basic assistance to Gaza, or risk facing restrictions on U.S. military aid as per U.S. law.
Israeli officials outlined their actions in response to the letter during meetings with Blinken, but the U.S. deemed the progress made so far as insufficient and emphasized the need for more action within the given time frame. While some trucks carrying aid have crossed into Gaza, it is unclear if the assistance reached the population.
Israel assured Blinken that they are committed to carrying out the actions requested by the Biden administration, emphasizing that results matter. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office did not mention humanitarian assistance in the readout issued after the meeting with Blinken. The U.S. expects to see sustained action from Israel within the 30-day deadline.
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