JERUSALEM (AP) — The United States announced on Tuesday that it would not impose sanctions on Israel despite the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. However, it urged Israel to enhance the flow of aid into the besieged region.
The White House had previously set a 30-day deadline for Israel to improve conditions in Gaza or face potential loss of military support. As the deadline passed, major international aid organizations reported that the U.S. response fell short, with the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaching its worst point since the conflict began.
The State Department stated that while Israel had made some progress, more steps were necessary to address the crisis. A spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. was not overlooking the situation and emphasized the need for overall improvement in the humanitarian conditions.
After over a year of conflict, aid groups accused the Israeli military of obstructing and even preventing aid shipments into Gaza. Nearly the entire population of approximately 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza relies on international aid for survival. Experts warn of the looming threat of famine, particularly in the severely affected northern Gaza region.
Israel, which controls all entry points into Gaza, asserts its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and has taken steps to increase aid distribution. However, it contends that the United Nations and international aid organizations must improve their distribution efforts and address instances of aid theft by criminal groups.
Aid levels into Gaza are typically measured by the number of trucks carrying supplies entering the territory. The U.S. demanded 350 trucks daily, while Israeli figures indicate an average of 57 trucks per day in October and 75 per day in November. The U.N. reported receiving only 39 trucks daily since October.
In the northern Gaza areas most affected by recent military operations, aid deliveries were significantly lower, with no aid reaching certain regions in October. Israel cited closures during Jewish holidays and military operations as reasons for the limited aid distribution.
Despite recent efforts to increase aid delivery, challenges persist. Aid groups accuse the Israeli army of blocking trucks from reaching critical areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, theft and criminal activities along aid routes hinder distribution efforts, with reports of aid supplies being stolen and aid workers facing security risks.
While Israel has taken steps to facilitate aid delivery, access issues remain a concern for aid organizations. The World Food Program reported difficulties in delivering supplies to specific areas due to denial of passage by Israeli authorities.
In response to the complex challenges facing aid distribution in Gaza, efforts are ongoing to address security risks, improve access, and enhance coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
