The Biden administration has determined that Israel is not currently obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza, meaning it is not in violation of US laws, according to a State Department briefing on Tuesday. However, officials acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe.
Earlier, on October 13, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlined specific actions Israel should take within 30 days to help alleviate Gaza’s worsening situation, warning of potential impacts on US military aid should Israel fail to comply.
On Tuesday, the State Department noted progress on some demands, though it declined to specify if Israel met all criteria by the deadline.
Despite humanitarian aid groups’ critiques that Israel has not met all US demands, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasised incremental improvements. He highlighted steps Israel has taken, including the partial reopening of Gaza’s Erez Crossing and additional delivery routes.
Meanwhile, Israeli actions in north Gaza have displaced additional civilians. President Biden has largely supported Israel’s military bombardment of Gaza following the October Hamas-led attack but faces pressure for more humanitarian action in Gaza as his term draws to a close.
