Biden Administration Criticizes Israel Over Gaza Aid Shortfalls

4 Nov at 4:58 pm

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Biden Administration Criticizes Israel Over Gaza Aid Shortfalls \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Biden administration has intensified its criticism of Israel, pressing the government to meet humanitarian aid targets in Gaza and condemning attacks on Palestinians by extremist settlers in the West Bank. With a looming 30-day deadline, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that military assistance may face restrictions if Israeli actions don’t improve aid flow and security for Palestinians. The U.S. also opposes Israel’s decision to end its cooperation with the U.N. Palestinian aid agency, UNRWA.

U.S. Presses Israel on Gaza Aid and West Bank Settler Violence Quick Looks

Humanitarian Deadline: Biden administration demands Israel meet Gaza aid targets or risk aid restrictions.
Insufficient Aid Flow: Despite goals, Gaza receives only a fraction of needed aid deliveries.
UNRWA Suspension: Israel moves to end U.N. Palestinian aid agency’s work in Gaza.
Condemnation of Settler Violence: U.S. denounces recent violent attacks by settlers in the West Bank.
International Concerns: UNICEF and U.N. officials warn of severe risks for Palestinians amid prolonged conflict.

Deep Look

As tensions remain high in Gaza and the West Bank, the Biden administration is pressing Israel to significantly improve humanitarian access for Palestinians, or it risks facing potential limits on U.S. military assistance. In a critical move on Monday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller described Israel’s efforts as insufficient, noting that with nine days left before the deadline, the Israeli government has failed to meet key targets laid out by U.S. officials. The administration’s expectations were communicated last month in a letter to senior Israeli leaders from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlighting that progress on Gaza aid and curbing violence in the West Bank was essential.

This intensified stance comes at a sensitive time, with the presidential election just one day away. Biden administration officials highlighted the critical importance of delivering aid into Gaza, especially as both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump court voters who hold strong views on U.S.-Israel relations. Among other directives, Blinken and Austin’s letter called for a substantial increase in food and essential supplies, setting a minimum daily target of 350 trucks carrying aid. Yet, U.N. data shows that as of late October, only about 71 trucks were entering Gaza per day—far below the stated goal.

“The results are not good enough today,” Miller said Monday, stressing that the administration is closely monitoring Israel’s progress against the requirements. Miller would not confirm potential U.S. actions if the 30-day deadline passes unmet but indicated that the administration “will follow the law.” Austin has consistently reminded Israeli leaders, including through conversations with Israeli Defense Minister Pat Ryder, of the need to increase aid flow into Gaza, underscoring the critical humanitarian needs.

Further complicating the situation, Israel has announced it will withdraw support for UNRWA, the U.N. agency dedicated to providing relief to Palestinian refugees. Last week, the Israeli government passed legislation to end its ties with UNRWA, claiming that Hamas has infiltrated the organization. In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that UNRWA is “part of the problem in the Gaza Strip and not part of the solution.” UNRWA has denied these claims, asserting that it enforces strict measures to ensure its neutrality.

UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have voiced alarm over the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The head of UNICEF recently described the dire conditions facing residents in North Gaza, warning of imminent risks of disease and starvation, particularly for children. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of UNRWA in meeting basic needs for Palestinians, especially in the absence of other robust aid options. According to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, Guterres reiterated that “there is no alternative” to UNRWA’s essential work in Gaza and the West Bank.

At the same time, the Biden administration condemned a recent uptick in violent attacks by extremist Jewish settlers on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Attacks reported in recent weeks include the torching of cars near Palestinian Authority headquarters, as well as incidents of Palestinians being attacked while harvesting olives and caring for livestock. Miller condemned these acts, calling for Israeli authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and to protect Palestinian communities. “These violent actions cause intense human suffering for Palestinians and threaten Israel’s security,” he stated. He underscored that under international law, Israel has a responsibility to deter extremist violence and protect all communities.

The U.S. has already taken action against specific individuals and groups implicated in violence against Palestinians. Since early this year, the administration has imposed sanctions on certain Israeli entities linked to these incidents and warned that additional measures may follow if the violence continues unchecked.

With the deadline fast approaching, the Biden administration’s position has sparked attention from both international bodies and U.S. voter groups. The continued attacks and limited aid flow into Gaza have drawn bipartisan concern within the U.S., as well as from advocacy groups monitoring the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The administration is expected to assess Israel’s progress after the 30-day deadline, which could determine the next steps in U.S.-Israel relations amid ongoing regional turmoil.