Washington, Oct 16, (V7N) - In a significant diplomatic move, the Biden administration has issued a warning to Israel regarding its access to U.S. military aid. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated in a letter to Israeli officials that the country must take action within 30 days to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
 
The letter, shared publicly by an Axios reporter, expresses deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. John Kirby, the White House spokesman for national security, noted that the administration has been closely monitoring the flow of humanitarian assistance, which has seen a recent decline.
 
Kirby emphasized that the letter was not a threat, but rather a reflection of the urgency and seriousness with which the U.S. views the need for a dramatic increase in aid. He mentioned that a previous request for increased humanitarian efforts in April was met with a constructive response from Israel.
 
This communication marks one of the clearest ultimatums from the U.S. to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government since the onset of the Gaza conflict. The timing is particularly notable as it comes just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, potentially impacting Vice President Kamala Harris, who has expressed support for both Israel's defense and concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
 
As Israeli military operations expand in northern Gaza, humanitarian organizations report worsening conditions, with widespread famine and suffering following a year of conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.
 
The U.S. previously constructed a $230 million pier off the Gaza coast to facilitate aid delivery, but the operation was halted due to various challenges. Recent reports indicate a sharp decline in food supplies, exacerbated by new customs regulations imposed by Israeli authorities.
 
The letter specifies measures Israel should implement, including allowing a minimum of 350 trucks per day into Gaza, pausing military actions to enable aid deliveries, and lifting evacuation orders unless there is an operational necessity.
 
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