The United States has confirmed that it has issued a warning to Israel concerning humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. In a recent press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the letter sent to the Israeli government that demands action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days. Failure to comply could risk violating U.S. laws governing foreign military assistance.
Matthew Miller confirmed that the letter was sent by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Sunday.
Miller remarked that the Biden administration had issued a similar warning to Israeli officials back in April and subsequently concluded that the actions taken following that communication had sufficiently improved the humanitarian situation.
The letter details that Israel must allow a minimum of 350 trucks a day to enter Gaza through all four major crossings, in addition to opening a fifth crossing. Furthermore, it calls for the implementation of humanitarian pauses throughout Gaza to facilitate humanitarian activities, including vaccinations and the distribution of aid, for at least the next four months.
“We hope that Israel will make the changes we have outlined and recommended, leading to a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance,” Miller added.
When asked about the consequences if Israel fails to make these adjustments, he stated, “I’m not going to discuss that today.” He noted, however, that provisions exist within U.S. legislation that require specific certifications. “To make these certifications, we must ensure that Israel is not arbitrarily denying humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza,” he said.
Miller explained that when the Secretary arrived at his conclusions in the April report, it was based on the changes implemented and the subsequent increase in humanitarian aid. “These must be sustained,” he emphasized, adding that the 30-day window provided for Israel to implement these changes is “appropriate.”
In a related inquiry about U.S. requests for Israel to cease airstrikes in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, Miller stated, “We have made it clear to Israel that we oppose the bombing campaign they have initiated in recent weeks in Beirut.” He noted that the strikes had decreased in recent days and emphasized ongoing close monitoring of this situation.
When pressed on whether the U.S. has requested a complete halt to bombing in Beirut, Miller highlighted, “They have the right to pursue legitimate terrorist targets. We recognize that Hezbollah continues to operate throughout Lebanon. However, we have genuine concerns regarding the nature of the campaign that has unfolded across Beirut in recent weeks, and we have expressed those concerns.”
He also mentioned that the “civilian casualty toll” in Beirut has raised increasing concerns for the U.S. government.
As the situation unfolds in Gaza and Lebanon, the pressure on Israel to adhere to humanitarian protocols remains intense, underlining the delicate balance of international relations in the region.
