The United States has issued a warning to Israel, stating that if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve within the next 30 days, military aid shipments may be halted. This ultimatum comes in response to a drastic decrease in humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, with deliveries falling by over 50% in recent months.
US officials have emphasized that humanitarian aid to Gaza is contingent on compliance with international law and humanitarian standards. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to Israeli officials demanding concrete measures to address the situation in Gaza within the specified timeframe.
Failure to meet these requirements could have implications for US policy under NSM-20, a memorandum issued by President Joe Biden that mandates recipients of American weapons to guarantee adherence to international laws. The US has provided Israel with nearly $18 billion worth of military assistance since the conflict with Hamas began in 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have to comply with US demands, even if it means altering military strategies in Gaza and Lebanon. The timeline for a decision on withholding military aid extends beyond the upcoming US presidential election, contributing to broader political implications.