'Israel' falls far short of meeting US ultimatum on Gaza aid: AP

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Nov 2024 09:13
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By the end of October, the average daily essential aid truckload count entering Gaza stood at only 71, well below the Biden administration's requested target.

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Israeli soldiers stand near trucks carrying humanitarian aid just before they cross into the Gaza Strip at Erez crossing in southern occupied Palestine, Monday, October 21, 2024. (AP)

"Israel’s" response to the Biden administration’s 30-day ultimatum to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza has thus far fallen short, as highlighted by an Associated Press analysis of UN and Israeli data.

As a critical deadline approaches in mid-November, coinciding with the US election cycle, President Joe Biden faces a pivotal decision on how to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis while maintaining support for Washington's major ally, Tel Aviv, the report indicated.

In a letter dated October 13, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for significant improvements to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, specifically urging "Israel" to facilitate a minimum of 350 daily truckloads of essential supplies.

Yet, by the end of October, the average daily truckload count entering Gaza stood at only 71, well below the requested target. Blinken noted that while there has been some progress, it remains inadequate.

"It's vital that what they bring can get distributed effectively inside of Gaza," he emphasized, underscoring the need for both sufficient supply and effective distribution.

This letter represents one of the Biden administration's strongest stances to date, following a year of appeals for greater protections for Palestinian civilians amid the war on the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press highlighted.

Northern Gaza conditions further deteriorating

Meanwhile, conditions in northern Gaza, where international monitors have warned of a potential famine, have deteriorated further due to ongoing Israeli attacks and siege that have restricted aid access since mid-October.

Adding to these concerns, Israeli lawmakers recently voted to effectively ban the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), a move that has drawn global criticism for undermining essential aid channels.

Despite US calls for increased humanitarian assistance, "Israel" has not committed to them. Before the war broke out in October last year, an average of 500 daily trucks supplied aid to Gaza, a figure relief agencies view as essential for the besieged Strip's 2.3 million residents, many of whom have faced repeated displacement.

Since the war's escalation, "Israel" has not approached its previous aid delivery average; daily truckloads peaked at 225 in April but have since dropped sharply.

Less than 50-100 trucks per day in October

Following the Biden administration's letter, daily truckloads fell to just 13 at the start of October, later rising to 71 by the end of the month—still insufficient to meet the population's urgent needs.

Even after supplies enter Gaza, distribution is hindered by logistical challenges, including processing delays and shipment restrictions by the Israeli occupation authorities.

The Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported a sharp drop in aid volume, with October’s shipments amounting to just 26,399 tons, down from 87,446 tons in September.

"Israel" has disregarded another deadline outlined in the letter from Austin and Blinken. The administration’s requests for a direct, high-level communication channel to address concerns about civilian casualties have yet to be implemented, even as "Israel’s" war on the Strip continues.

The US, as "Israel’s" largest military aid provider, has contributed nearly $18 billion throughout the ongoing war, continuing to fuel the genocide and failing to force "Israel" to remedy Gaza's humanitarian situation.