The Biden administration has sidestepped a self-imposed 30-day deadline for Israel to significantly improve humanitarian aid access in Gaza or face a potential weapons supply suspension, stating that Israel’s recent actions are “progress” but stressing the need for further steps. This development comes as aid agencies, including Oxfam and Save the Children, warn of worsening conditions in Gaza, which they claim are now approaching famine levels.
In a Washington briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel indicated that Israel had done enough to avert any immediate repercussions under U.S. law, which stipulates that countries receiving American military aid must not block U.S.-backed humanitarian relief efforts. “We have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of U.S. law,” Patel said, though he added that if there’s insufficient improvement, the U.S. is prepared to enforce its legislation. Patel also emphasised that while Israel has taken measures, the situation remains “dire.”
The deadline follows a confidential letter sent on October 13 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Israeli officials, urging Israel to allow the entry of 350 aid trucks daily, enhance security for aid distribution, and reduce restrictions in northern Gaza. The letter, made public after its intended private delivery, was intended as a clear marker for action as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensified following Israel’s military response to the October 7 Hamas attack.
Despite calls for action, eight aid groups reported on Tuesday that Israel has not met the criteria set forth in the U.S. letter and argued that conditions in Gaza have “dramatically worsened.” They point to the scarcity of food, water, and medical supplies as contributing to what they describe as the worst humanitarian situation since the conflict began in October. The groups also accuse Israel of failing to comply with its U.S. ally’s demands, resulting in a severe cost for civilians in Gaza.
On Friday, a United Nations famine review committee issued an alert warning that Gaza faces an “imminent and substantial likelihood of famine” unless immediate steps are taken. The UN warned that critical levels of food scarcity require swift action to prevent the crisis from escalating beyond control.
In response, Israel has reopened some crossings into Gaza and waived certain customs requirements, aiming to facilitate aid flow. According to Patel, 404 aid trucks entered Gaza between November 1 and November 9, well below the daily target of 350 outlined in the U.S. letter. Patel added that the frequency of deliveries had decreased by 15% compared to the period before the October letter was issued, citing Israeli data.
However, U.S. officials stopped short of labelling the current approach as a “pass.” Under repeated questioning, Patel defended the administration’s assessment, cautioning against getting “bogged down in the specific truck numbers” and insisting that conditions have improved, if only incrementally. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder noted that the 30-day deadline was established to “set a benchmark” and that the U.S. has seen positive but insufficient progress. Ryder warned, however, that pressure will continue, adding, “we’re not going to take our foot off the gas.”
Israel welcomed the U.S. stance, with its UN envoy, Danny Danon, stating that Israel is striving to balance humanitarian needs in Gaza while targeting Hamas. Danon claimed that Israel’s efforts to allow aid trucks to cross into Gaza were complicated by the possibility of Hamas seizing supplies. “We work very hard in order to assist the humanitarian needs in Gaza,” he told reporters. “But it’s challenging because, on the other side, you have Hamas.”
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The Biden administration has maintained diplomatic pressure on Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza. Secretary Blinken and other senior officials have frequently raised concerns over the blockade’s impact on Gaza’s civilians, while simultaneously affirming Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. In private and public discussions, U.S. officials have urged Israel to ensure a stable flow of essential supplies into Gaza, but advocates say that real progress has been short-lived and inconsistent.
In a potential shift in U.S. policy, President-elect Donald Trump, who is less inclined to pressure Israel over its Gaza operations, announced on Tuesday that he intends to appoint former Arizona Governor Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, an outspoken supporter of Israel, is known for his expansive stance on Israeli sovereignty, including controversial statements defending Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!” Trump declared in a statement, adding that Huckabee has long been committed to supporting Israel’s security and regional stability.
As humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen, the Biden administration’s willingness to enforce a “hardline” stance remains under scrutiny. With a presidential transition on the horizon, it remains to be seen how U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza will evolve amid the region’s ongoing crises.
