The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to providing arms to Israel, despite alarming reports regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
U.S. Commitment to Arms Aid Amid Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
U.S. Commitment to Arms Aid Amid Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Despite worsening conditions, the U.S. maintains military support for Israel.
The State Department announced on Nov. 12, 2024, that it will continue its military aid to Israel, even as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates dramatically. A letter issued by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that Israel failed to improve the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza within a 30-day deadline set by the Biden administration.
The letter indicated that aid entering Gaza has reportedly decreased by 50 percent since April, leaving two million residents in what U.N. officials describe as an "increasingly dire" humanitarian situation. The U.S. government, which upholds laws that prevent military aid to foreign entities implicated in gross human rights violations, faces pressure as evaluations of Israel's actions continue.
U.N. agencies have expressed grave concerns, stating that Israel's blockade and targeting of humanitarian workers could constitute violations of international law, potentially being classified as war crimes. Additionally, experts warn of imminent famine conditions in northern Gaza, complicating efforts by humanitarian agencies to provide relief amidst escalating food insecurity.
The letter indicated that aid entering Gaza has reportedly decreased by 50 percent since April, leaving two million residents in what U.N. officials describe as an "increasingly dire" humanitarian situation. The U.S. government, which upholds laws that prevent military aid to foreign entities implicated in gross human rights violations, faces pressure as evaluations of Israel's actions continue.
U.N. agencies have expressed grave concerns, stating that Israel's blockade and targeting of humanitarian workers could constitute violations of international law, potentially being classified as war crimes. Additionally, experts warn of imminent famine conditions in northern Gaza, complicating efforts by humanitarian agencies to provide relief amidst escalating food insecurity.
