US Threatens Israel with Aid Suspension in Blinken, Austin Letter Urging Immediate Gaza Aid Increase

Oct 15, 2024, 05:33 PM

The United States has warned Israel that failure to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days may result in restrictions on US military aid, according to reports citing a letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent on October 13th. The letter, addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, expresses concern over the dire conditions in Gaza and urges Israel to take immediate steps to increase the flow of humanitarian aid. Specific measures requested include increasing the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to at least 350 per day, opening a new fifth crossing to facilitate aid delivery, and instituting additional humanitarian pauses. The letter references National Security Memorandum 20, indicating that failure to address these concerns could have legal implications under US law regarding military assistance to Israel. US officials, including White House spokesman John Kirby, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting a recent decrease in aid reaching Gaza and highlighting that similar concerns were communicated in a prior letter sent in April. The US government stresses the need for immediate action, not waiting for 30 days, and seeks concrete measures from Israel to address humanitarian concerns.