US ready to judge Israel's Gaza aid efforts as deadline approaches
US officials prepare to assess Israelʼs humanitarian work in Gaza after giving them 30-days notice last fall. The evaluation comes as different organizations argue about aid delivery effectiveness in the region
Last fall‚ the US government sent a clear-cut message to Israel: improve humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza or face possible military support limits. Now its time for the final verdict
The US assessment comes as Jake Sullivan confirms that high-ranking officials — including President Biden Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin — will review Israelʼs progress this week. The original notice (sent about 13 months ago) outlined specific requirements for aid distribution
COGAT‚ Israelʼs military-civilian coordination group published its six-month humanitarian work summary: they claim to have expanded delivery routes set-up medical support and worked on infrastructure. Theyʼre also getting ready to open up a new crossing point at Kissufim; however the UN data shows aid deliveries are at their lowest point since last year
The situation has sparked disagreement between different organizations:
- The Famine Review Committee warns about possible food crisis in northern Gaza
- UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini points to very low daily truck numbers
- Israelʼs UN rep Danny Danon says its not about lack of aid but distribution issues
The amount that gets into Gaza is not enough — just over 30 trucks per day which is only 6% of whats needed
COGAT doesnt agree with famine predictions saying they dont match real situation on ground. They insist their work follows international rules and theyre doing their best to help people in Gaza get what they need
