US Warns Israel of Potential Aid Cuts Over Gaza Assistance Delays
The United States has warned Israel of potential aid cuts unless improvements are made in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for increased aid delivery, aligning with US law on military aid recipients. Although Israel has started sending assistance through the Erez crossing, immediate action is expected even as the US points to a 30-day timeline for change.
The United States has warned Israel about the potential for cuts to aid if improvements are not made in the delivery of assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
In a letter sent by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Israel was urged to increase the current low levels of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The letter cited a US law mandating that recipients of US military aid must not unduly obstruct US humanitarian efforts.
The letter, unrelated to the upcoming US elections, called for action within 30 days.
However, changes are desired immediately, as evidenced by Israel's aid sent through the Erez crossing following the letter.
The US has historically expressed concerns about the conflict and has previously blocked a substantial aid shipment to Israel.