US deadline passes without consequences for Israel’s failure to allow more Gaza aid

Israel has failed to meet a deadline set by the United States to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, with international rights groups warning of worsening conditions in the besieged enclave.

The deadline, set to expire on 12 November 2024, came after a letter from US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urged Israel to act to improve the humanitarian situation or face unspecified restrictions on military assistance.

On 13 October, the Biden administration sent a letter to Israeli officials demanding action within 30 days.

The letter, addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, warned that failure to improve the flow of aid could violate US laws governing foreign military assistance.

The US emphasized the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis, calling for “urgent and sustained actions” to reverse the trajectory of worsening conditions in Gaza.

However, rights groups—including Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Norwegian Refugee Council—stated that Israel not only failed to meet US requirements but also took actions that have worsened the situation, particularly in northern Gaza.

In a statement released after the deadline expired, the groups noted that the humanitarian crisis is now more severe than it was a month ago, with the situation described as “catastrophic.”

They claimed that Israel’s failure to meet the US criteria has resulted in enormous human cost for Palestinian civilians.

The US government, however, has stopped short of limiting arms transfers to Israel.

Rights groups have criticized Israel for failing to meet the 19 specific requirements outlined by the US, which included enabling the entrance of at least 350 aid trucks per day.

While the Israeli military reported the delivery of hundreds of food and water packages to northern Gaza, including areas like Jabalia and Beit Hanoon, the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains far below what is needed.

The United Nations has repeatedly accused Israel of blocking attempts to deliver supplies, particularly to northern Gaza, where Israel has launched a major military offensive.

The UN has warned that Gaza is facing the lowest level of aid in over a year, and there are growing concerns of an imminent famine in northern Gaza.

“Almost nothing is getting in anymore. The small street markets that sprang up have all gone. There’s a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid… a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20,” said a UN official.

Even those with money are struggling to buy basic goods, and food shortages are becoming increasingly dire.

The humanitarian crisis has also drawn criticism of Israel’s adherence to international law.

The US Foreign Assistance Act mandates that the US must suspend security assistance to any country that restricts humanitarian aid, and Israel’s actions have raised questions about its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Some rights groups have even accused Israel of engaging in a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza, particularly in the north, where military operations have been intensified.

Since 7 October 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in at least 43,603 Palestinian deaths and more than 102,929 injuries, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The United Nations has raised alarm over the disproportionate toll the ongoing conflict in Gaza has taken on civilians, with nearly 70% of casualties reported as women and children.

The UN has expressed growing concern that the scale and nature of the attacks could qualify as “crimes against humanity” or even genocide, given the devastating impact on the civilian population.