US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have indicated that Israel needs to take immediate measures within the next month to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza to prevent potential legal consequences related to US military aid, as reported by various news sources.
In a letter dated October 13, addressed to their Israeli counterparts, they expressed, “We are writing now to highlight the US government’s profound concern regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and we urge your government to undertake urgent and sustained actions this month to change this course,” as shared by an Axios reporter on X.
The contents of the letter were initially reported by a journalist from Israeli News 12 on X.
Two sources acquainted with the issue confirmed the authenticity of the letter to Reuters.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
Washington has consistently urged Israel to enhance humanitarian conditions in Gaza since the onset of the conflict with Hamas over a year ago, following attacks by the militant group on southern Israel, though the Biden administration has yet to impose any restrictions on the military aid provided to Israel.
This information comes as Israeli forces escalate operations in northern Gaza, raising continuing concerns regarding access to humanitarian aid and the availability of food, water, and medicine for civilians.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported a significant decrease in food supplies following a new customs regulation by Israeli authorities concerning some humanitarian aid, coupled with reduced deliveries by businesses.
The United States informed the UN Security Council last week that it is imperative for Israel to address the “catastrophic conditions” facing Palestinian civilians in Gaza and to cease “intensifying suffering” by restricting aid deliveries.
The secretaries’ letter outlined specific actions required from Israel within the next 30 days, such as allowing at least 350 trucks to enter Gaza daily, implementing pauses in hostilities to facilitate aid delivery, and retracting evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians when there is no operational necessity.
“Failure to show a sustained commitment to these measures may have repercussions for US policy… and applicable U.S. law,” the letter warned.
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Hezbollah threatens to attack targets across Israel
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has issued threats to target locations throughout Israel, asserting that it will not be subdued by ongoing heavy bombardments of its strongholds and leadership.
Deputy leader of the group, Naim Qassem, stated that the only viable solution is a ceasefire.
“I am addressing the Israeli home front: the solution is a ceasefire,” he declared during a live broadcast of his speech.
On another day of conflict, the Iran-backed group claimed to have launched a barrage of rockets at the northern Israeli city of Haifa and targeted Israeli bulldozers and a tank near the border.
In response, Israel conducted fresh airstrikes in Lebanon a day after estimates indicated that 41 people lost their lives due to attacks on the country, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
In a resolute address, Qassem insisted that the group “will not be defeated” and will begin expanding its targeting scope within Israel.
“Since the Israeli enemy has targeted all of Lebanon, we have the right, in a defensive capacity, to target any location” in Israel, he asserted.
Only after a ceasefire would residents of northern Israel be able to return home, he added, referring to Israel’s articulated war objectives.
A man walks past the rubble of a shop following an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed French President Emmanuel Macron that he opposes any “unilateral ceasefire that does not bring about a change in the security landscape in Lebanon.”
In recent days, Iran, a supporter of Hezbollah, has engaged in diplomatic discussions regarding ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza, amid escalating concerns of a wider regional conflict.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati told AFP that his country is prepared to enhance its military presence in the south post-ceasefire, also noting that Israeli troops have been conducting brief cross-border incursions.
Mikati added that security measures at the country’s sole airport in Beirut have been tightened “to eliminate any pretexts” for an Israeli attack.
Israel has also intensified its military offensive in Gaza.
Despite an urgent need for increased aid in Gaza, particularly in the northern region, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder expressed concerns over the dire situation being the worst since Israel’s offensive commenced.
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“We are witnessing what may be the most severe restrictions on humanitarian aid ever,” he stated at a press conference in Geneva, emphasizing that there were “several days in the past week when no commercial trucks were permitted entry at all.”
For over a week, Israeli forces have been involved in extensive air and ground assaults targeting northern Gaza, including the area surrounding Jabalia, amid allegations that Hamas militants are regrouping there.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza was initiated following a Hamas attack on October 7 that led to the deaths of 1,206 individuals, primarily civilians, as per an AFP tally of official Israeli figures, which includes hostages who died in captivity.
According to credible figures from the health ministry of the Hamas-governed territory, the Israeli campaign has resulted in 42,344 deaths, the majority of whom are civilians.
