Austin warns 'Israel' weapons at risk if aid to Gaza withheld
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Last month, investigations were initiated into the transfer of weapons amid concerns of violations of human rights and blocking of humanitarian aid.
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on October 31, 2023. (AP)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have cautioned "Israel" about the potential for the United States to withhold some military aid unless there are improvements in the delivery of aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the State Department announced on Tuesday.
In a letter sent on Sunday, Blinken and Austin emphasized to the Israeli government that "there are changes that they need to make again to see that the level of assistance making it into Gaza comes back up from the very, very low levels that it is at today," as stated by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing.
The United States has considerably expanded military backing for "Israel" after the war on Gaza began over a year ago. During this time, the US has contributed billions of dollars in security support and sent military troops to help "Israel" directly.
The letter cited US law, which stipulates that "recipients of US military assistance do not arbitrarily deny or impede the provisioning of US humanitarian assistance," expressing hope that "Israel" makes changes and consequently a "dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance" is witnessed.
According to Miller, there is no connection between the warning and the upcoming US elections. He affirmed, however, that since "we didn't think it was appropriate to send a letter and just say this has to happen overnight," they gave the Israelis full 30 days for change.
In response to recent Iranian missile threats, an advanced team of US military personnel, along with the initial components required to operate the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system, has arrived in "Israel", the Pentagon announced on Tuesday. This system is intended to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.
As "Israel" continues to slaughter Palestinians, killing over 42,000 thus far, and expand its aggression into Lebanon, questioning of Western military assistance has grown.
Last month, investigations were initiated into the transfer of weapons amid concerns of violations of human rights and blocking of humanitarian aid.
In a 17-page memo sent to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April, USAID told top US diplomats that US law requires the administration to cut off weapons shipments to governments that prevent the delivery of US-backed humanitarian aid. The Refugees Bureau also delivered a similar evaluation.
According to ProPublica, both Blinken and the administration of President Joe Biden refused to accept the conclusions reached by the two US agencies.
Despite the thousands slaughtered, the US maintains that "Israel's" right to "self-defense" is the priority.
Read more: Conditions in Gaza akin to the 'depths of hell': Save the Children
'Israel' employs a 'surrender or starve' strategy in Northern Gaza: WP
The Washington Post report on Monday detailed the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, as the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) intensify their aggression on the Strip.
The report sheds light on the emerging strategy reportedly being employed by "Israel", described as a "surrender or starve" approach, which has drawn international condemnation.
The IOF have encircled the Jabalia refugee camp and issued evacuation orders to approximately 400,000 residents in northern Gaza, directing them south to already overcrowded and bombarded areas.
The report notes that humanitarian workers on the ground describe the situation as catastrophic, with airstrikes continuing to batter civilian areas, including refugee camps.
"It is like hell, to be honest," Fares Afana, head of ambulance services in northern Gaza, told The Washington Post.
The report also touched on the controversial plan initially proposed by retired Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, which suggests evacuating northern Gaza and treating anyone who remains as a legitimate military target.
While the Israeli occupation government has not officially confirmed adopting the strategy, reports indicate that parts of it are being implemented.
Humanitarian groups have raised concerns over the tactic, with Doctors Without Borders warning that thousands of people are trapped in the Jabalia camp, facing starvation and being targeted by IOF forces.
