Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense or State Department

U.S. Warns Israel: Improve Gaza Situation in 30 Days or Risk Military Aid Suspension

Oct 15, 2024, 03:23 PM

The U.S. government has reportedly warned Israel that it must take immediate steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within 30 days or risk facing an arms embargo or reduced military aid. According to reports from Israel's Channel 12 and other outlets, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a letter dated October 13th to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The letter references U.S. policy NSM-20 and demands that Israel improve conditions in Gaza to avoid legal consequences regarding U.S. military aid. This is the strongest known written warning from the Biden administration to its ally, emphasizing concern over civilian harm and urging Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Blinken had previously sent a similar letter in April. Failure to comply could result in a review of U.S. military assistance to Israel.