The Biden administration has voiced increasing dissatisfaction with Israel’s limited progress on humanitarian aid to Gaza. With a 30-day deadline looming, U.S. officials have criticized Israel’s response, warning that military assistance to Israel could face restrictions if conditions are not met. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that while minor progress has been made, Israel has not fulfilled the key requirements outlined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The October letter from Blinken and Austin set a target of 350 aid trucks per day to provide food and essential supplies for Gaza. Current U.N. data shows that only an average of 71 trucks have entered Gaza daily, significantly short of the target. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the importance of swift aid delivery, noting ongoing conversations between U.S. Defense Secretary Austin and Israeli officials.
The U.S. has also condemned escalating violence by extremist Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, urging Israel to uphold its duty to prevent further attacks. Israeli settler violence, including attacks on Palestinian property and individuals, has caused considerable distress, Miller stated. He warned that such acts also threaten Israel’s stability and security, reinforcing the need for protective measures in compliance with international obligations.
In another development, Israel announced its intent to end its long-standing agreement with UNRWA, the U.N. agency providing essential services in Gaza, citing concerns of Hamas influence. The decision drew swift objections from both U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Biden administration, who see UNRWA as irreplaceable in delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
