Deadline set by the US for Israel has expired

The 30-day deadline given by the US to Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip has expired. In a letter dated October 13, the US administration gave the Israeli government 30 days to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that arms shipments to countries that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians do not comply with US law. Despite reports to the contrary from international organizations, the US administration has declared that Israel has improved the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

US Department of State Spokesperson Vedant Patel stated, "At this time, we have not made a determination that Israel is in violation of US law."

Stating that the progress observed in the humanitarian situation in Gaza must be supported and made sustainable, Patel said, "At this time, we have not made a determination that Israel is in violation of US law."

Patel said, "Israel has taken a series of steps to address the measures outlined in the letter sent by Secretaries Blinken and Austin in October. We continue to engage with our partners in Israel regarding these steps they have taken as a result of US intervention, as well as additional steps we believe need to be taken."

Claiming that the US is not granting special privileges to Israel, Patel said, "We want to see the humanitarian situation improve overall, and we believe some of these steps will ensure that these conditions continue to improve."

The decision announced by the US, which is Israel's most important ally and its largest supplier of weapons and military aid, comes after statements from international aid organizations asserting that Israel's practices in Gaza do not meet the criteria set out in US law and that Gaza is in its worst condition since the beginning of the war.

In the letter dated October 13, the US administration had made demands such as allowing at least 350 trucks of supplies to enter Gaza daily, opening a fifth crossing point, allowing people living in tent camps on the coast to move to inland areas before winter, and ensuring access for aid organizations to northern Gaza. The US administration had also urged Israel not to pass legislation that would hinder the operations of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

US law requires countries receiving military aid from the US to comply with international humanitarian law and not to obstruct the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians.

News Source: İHA