Biden administration’s 30-day ultimatum for Gaza aid reaches midway as Israel lags on commitments
A convoy of lorries carrying humanitarian aid enters the Gaza Strip from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing on October 21, 2023. The United Nations says Gaza needs about 100 aid trucks a day to meet the needs of its 2.4 million people, nearly half of whom have been displaced by Israel's bombardment in response to the Hamas attack on October 7. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)
The Biden administration’s 30-day ultimatum for Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza is halfway through, and Israel is falling short of expectations.
Despite demands from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to allow at least 350 trucks of food and supplies into Gaza daily, according to UN figures, only an average of 71 trucks entered Gaza by the end of October.
The shortfall comes amidst warnings from international monitors of potential famine in north Gaza due to restricted aid and escalated military campaigns.
The Biden administration has taken a tough stance on the issue, with Blinken emphasizing the need for effective distribution of aid within Gaza. However, the administration’s ability to enforce its demands is complicated by the close relationship between the US and Israel, as well as the ongoing presidential election. Support for Israel is a sensitive topic, particularly among Republican voters and some Democrats.
The humanitarian situation in north Gaza is fast collapsing, with aid organizations reporting that no food or care has reached populated areas since mid-October.
Leaders of 15 UN and humanitarian groups have described the situation as “apocalyptic.” Earlier, Israeli lawmakers voted to effectively ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), despite US objections.
The US provides significant military aid to Israel, including nearly $18 billion during the Gaza war. However, the Biden administration has threatened to pause arms shipments, citing concerns for civilian safety.
Despite the threat, the violent attacks on Gaza and Lebanon continue to add to the growing death toll. Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 43,259 Palestinians and wounded 101,827 since October 7, 2023. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive.
