The State Department made an un-expected announcement about Israels handling of Gaza aid stating they arent breaking US laws‚ despite the situation remaining tough
Last fall Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin sent a letter to Israel with specific aid-related demands; giving them 30 days to make changes or face possible cut-backs in military support. The State Departments deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel noted some good steps but wants more improvements
Israel took these stepʼs to help with aid delivery:
- Re-opened the Erez crossing point
- Removed some customs rules
- Made new delivery routes in Gaza
- Started winter-ready support plans
Danny Danon Israels UN rep said they worked hard to meet needs but Hamas makes things harder – stealing trucks and blocking help from reaching people. The situation in northern Gaza is extra-bad; experts say theres a big risk of food problems coming soon
Weʼve seen some progress being made; we would like to see some more changes happen
The review comes about a year after that terrible attack when Hamas fighters killed many people and took hostages (which shocked everyone). Since then Gaza has changed a lot – its now full of broken buildings where millions try to find safe places
Matthew Miller from the State Department said earlier this month that even with Israels new steps the real results in Gaza arent good enough yet. When Blinken met with Ron Dermer this week he pushed for more real improvements on the ground
Aid groups like Oxfam dont agree with the US view; saying Israel missed their targets by the deadline. Hamas leaders also spoke against the US decision; saying it shows support for whats happening to Gaza people