The US yesterday handed a 30-day ultimatum to Tel Aviv. US told Israel to improve access of humanitarian aid into Gaza and vowed cuts in military aid unless conditions are met. This is after renewed Israeli military offensive in northern Gaza that has so far killed dozens of civilians. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a letter to Israel, urge on it to allow more movements of humanitarian aid and end policies deemed restrictive. Israel says it will heed the concerns of America even as it persists with its tough military campaign against Hamas.

The letter from the US expresses deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it says that last September, nearly 90% of the aid movements were barred. It appeals to Israel to increase aid by allowing in at least 350 trucks a day at major crossings and to loosen restrictions. This situation in northern Gaza, and particularly in the Jabalia region, is increasingly dire amid the military actions against Hamas. In words that have come across as stringent, U.S. officials said that humanitarian access has to improve or military aid will be affected under U.S. law.

US told Israel that it must make the situation in Gaza more livable right away, though concerns remain about extreme overcrowding and the risk of deadly diseases among areas where more than 1.7 million people have been displaced. The policy of isolating northern Gaza needs to end along with forced evacuations. Recent actions-the stopping of commercial imports and heavy restrictions on aid are contributing to deteriorating conditions – need to end, the letter says. It warns that failure to address the issues would be resulting in an impact under American law on military assistance.

Israeli troops say that they have been carrying out operations in northern Gaza as part of a drive to root out Hamas fighters. The offensive has, however resulted in significant civilian casualties and much damage, particularly in Jabalia. According to local accounts, airstrikes have caused many families to be killed in recent days, while humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet population needs. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed its alarm over the deteriorating situation, calling the suffering of the family unimaginable.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has dismissed allegations of forcibly imposing a disputed scheme that may include evacuating civilians and surrounding Hamas fighters. The operation came after a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, in which more than 1,200 were killed and hundreds captured. According to reports, over 42,340 people in Gaza are said to have been killed since then.

News Desk