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Arab-Israeli conflicts

US Expresses Concerns Over Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza Strip

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin wrote to Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant and minister for strategic affairs Ron Dermer, voicing concerns over the low levels of humanitarian assistance allowed into the Gaza Strip. The letter, which was meant to be private, has since become public, with the US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller confirming its content. Miller emphasized that the letter was part of ongoing discussions between the US and Israel regarding the levels of humanitarian assistance reaching Palestinian civilians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US expressed concerns to Israel over the low levels of humanitarian assistance allowed into the Gaza Strip, citing a decline of over 50 percent from its peak.
  • The letter, written by Blinken and Austin, emphasized the need for sustained humanitarian assistance, not just a one-time increase.
  • The US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that the letter was part of ongoing discussions regarding humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians.
  • The letter was meant to be private, but was leaked to the media before official authorization.
  • US law requires certain certifications, including ensuring that Israel does not arbitrarily deny humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as mandated by National Security Memorandum 20.
  • The report, mandated under National Security Memorandum 20, highlighted provisions under US law requiring the US to ensure humanitarian assistance is not denied arbitrarily to Gaza.

Statistics:

  • Humanitarian assistance to Gaza Strip has fallen by over 50 percent from its peak.
  • The peak level of humanitarian assistance to Gaza Strip was between 300 to 400 trucks per day.
  • The report mandated under National Security Memorandum 20 requires the US to ensure Israel does not arbitrarily deny humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency (15 Oct 2024)
  • Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the US Dept. of State
  • Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary

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