The US Accuses Israel of Blocking Aid to Gaza
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department’s refugees bureau have accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid to Gaza, as reported by ProPublica. USAID sent a memo to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken documenting instances of Israel obstructing aid, including killing aid workers and turning away trucks filled with essential supplies.
Despite the evidence, Blinken dismissed the report and claimed the US did not assess Israel was blocking aid shipments to Gaza. However, other US government officials, including the head of the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, corroborated the findings and argued that Israel’s actions should trigger consequences under the Foreign Assistance Act.
Israel, the top recipient of US military aid, has received increased weapons shipments under the Biden administration, despite criticism from human rights groups and US allies over its offensive in Gaza. Lawmakers urged Biden to stop providing offensive weapons to Israel, citing violations of aid laws and military assistance agreements.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of famine, outbreaks of disease, and restrictions on critical supplies. USAID’s memo highlights Israel’s obstruction of US government assistance, causing tension within the US government and embassy staff.
Stacy Gilbert, a former official, resigned over the controversy, emphasizing the evidence of Israel’s role in blocking aid to Gaza.