US Holds Firm on Israel Policy Despite Humanitarian Concerns
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Continues
The United States has announced that it will not be making significant changes to its policy towards Israel, despite concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This decision comes after a 30-day deadline for improvement in aid delivery to the war-torn region.
Progress, But Not Enough
According to Vedant Patel, State Department principal deputy spokesperson, while some progress has been made, more changes are needed. “We believe that, had it not been for U.S. intervention, these changes may not have ever taken place,” Patel said. However, the numbers tell a different story. Only an average of 30 trucks per day are being allowed into Gaza, far short of the 350 trucks per day demanded by the US.
Demands and Deadlines
The demands were laid out in a joint letter from Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, delivered on October 13. The letter called for increased aid delivery, heightened security for humanitarian sites, and more frequent humanitarian pauses in military operations. However, one month later, little progress has been made.
International Criticism
International organizations have been sounding the alarm on the humanitarian toll of Israel’s war in Gaza. A consortium of humanitarian aid groups has assessed that Israel has not made significant progress on any of the US demands. The numbers are stark: over 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with the majority being women and children who died in strikes on residential buildings.
Unwavering Support
Outgoing President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his “ironclad” support for Israel, following a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in the Oval Office. This support has come under intense scrutiny both at home and abroad.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with international organizations calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis. The US decision not to change its policy towards Israel has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for greater accountability and action to protect civilians caught in the conflict.
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