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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Biden Administration Shifts on Humanitarian Pauses in Israeli Gaza War

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Biden administration has adopted a position in support of humanitarian pauses in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after weeks of declining to do so. The policy change comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened and international pressure builds on the US to publicly condemn Israel's actions. President Biden's special envoy to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, David Satterfield, has been in Israel this week to seek progress on allowing a steady flow of aid into Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages. However, officials say that no substantive progress has been made.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Biden administration has shifted its stance on humanitarian pauses in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, now supporting the measure.
  • The policy change comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with over 7,000 Palestinians killed and more than 100,000 injured.
  • The US has faced international criticism for its initial hesitation to support humanitarian pauses, with the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approving a resolution calling for a complete cease-fire.
  • The main holdup for humanitarian pauses is reportedly Hamas, which Israel and the US blame for blocking the gates on the Gaza side of the border.
  • Israel has expressed concerns about what would come into Gaza once the humanitarian pause is in place, fearing a rush of refugees and militants into Egypt.
  • Over 200 trucks filled with aid have been waiting at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, but only 84 have been allowed to enter Gaza since last weekend.
  • The US and UN officials have stated that a main impediment to a more substantial aid flow is the length of time it takes for Israel's inspections of each truck at the Nitzana crossing.
  • A medical team and six trucks carrying humanitarian supplies arrived in Gaza on Friday, including a specialist in weapons contamination and unexploded munitions.
  • A growing minority of congressional Democrats has called for versions of a pause or cease-fire, with at least 18 lawmakers so far endorsing the measure.

Statistics:

  • Over 7,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • More than 100,000 Palestinians have been injured in the conflict.
  • 400 American citizens and their families remain trapped in Gaza.
  • Only 84 truckloads of aid have entered Gaza from Egypt since last weekend, despite over 200 trucks waiting at the border.
  • The US and UN officials estimate that at least 100 daily truckloads of aid are needed to prevent civilian survival in Gaza.
  • Eighty-four percent of the UN General Assembly members voted in favor of the resolution calling for a complete cease-fire.
  • The resolution passed with only 14 nations voting against it.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • Al-Hurra TV
  • International Committee of the Red Cross
  • UN General Assembly
  • Gaza Health Ministry
  • Egyptian Red Crescent
  • US Department of State

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