The United States believes Israel is not violating American law after changes were made to meet demands from Washington in October, the US State Department said on Tuesday. The demands were formulated in a letter that was intended to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
– But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to see more changes, said spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press conference on Tuesday.
The announcement came a day after Foreign Minister Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top security adviser, Ron Dermer, in Washington. Together they went through the steps Israel has taken after Blinken and Defense Minister Lloyd Austin warned in October of possible consequences if the aid situation in Gaza did not improve within 30 days.
Pass grade last week
The letter, which was dated 13 October, came after Israel had stepped up operations in northern Gaza and, among other things, shelled the large refugee camp Jabalia from both the air and the ground. It was expressed that arms deliveries from the USA could be stopped if there were no facilitations in the transport of emergency aid into the area.
At the latest last week, spokesman Matthew Miller in the US State Department gave Israel a failing grade for its efforts to meet the demands from the US.
Eight international aid organizations wrote in a report on Tuesday that Israel has not met the American demands that were set. On the other hand, they criticized the Israeli government for having implemented measures that worsened the situation further, especially in the north of Gaza.
– The situation is even worse today than a month ago, says the report, which is signed by the Norwegian Refugee Council, Save the Children and six other aid organisations.
Stopped emergency assistance
Experts on famine disasters have stated that there is already a widespread food shortage in northern Gaza. At the same time, trailers loaded with food and equipment are ready to drive into the area, both from the Egyptian side and into the northern side. According to the UN, the aid could not be delivered due to uncertainty, chaos and restrictions from Israeli forces on the ground.
Throughout October and the first days of November, Israel has not let any food into the area north of Gaza where tens of thousands of civilians have remained despite orders to evacuate. Last week, Israeli authorities allowed eleven trailers to drive to Beit Haoun, one of the hardest hit towns. But according to the World Food Programme, Israeli forces at a roadblock had forced the cars to unload everything they had on board before it reached its destination.
What happened to the goods they had is not known.
#slow #arms #deliveries #Israel
**Interview with Vedant Patel, Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Vedant. The State Department recently issued a statement regarding Israel and its compliance with U.S. law amid humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Can you clarify the basis for your conclusion that Israel is not in violation of American law?
**Vedant Patel:** Thank you for having me. Our assessment is based on the changes Israel has implemented after our discussions in October. We believe these steps respond to our concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The U.S. government is committed to ensuring that foreign assistance aligns with our legal and ethical obligations, and we are closely monitoring the situation.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that more changes are still desired from Israel. Can you elaborate on what specific adjustments the U.S. is looking for?
**Vedant Patel:** Certainly. While we recognize the steps taken, we are advocating for further measures to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This includes facilitating greater access for humanitarian aid, protecting civilians, and ensuring that operations are conducted with the utmost regard for civilian safety. Our ultimate goal is to foster a sustainable peace and alleviate suffering in the region.
**Interviewer:** This statement follows recent meetings between Secretary Blinken and Israeli officials. How does the U.S. view these high-level discussions in terms of their impact on future actions?
**Vedant Patel:** The discussions with Israeli officials are a critical component of our diplomatic efforts. They provide an opportunity for us to directly convey our priorities and expectations. We believe that open lines of communication are essential in promoting accountability and facilitating meaningful improvements on the ground.
**Interviewer:** The timing of this announcement coincides with Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly around the Jabalia refugee camp. How does the State Department navigate the complexities of military action and humanitarian concerns?
**Vedant Patel:** It is indeed a complex situation. The U.S. stresses the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during military operations. We are continuously engaging with both Israeli officials and humanitarian organizations to assess the impact of these actions and advocate for necessary changes to protect innocent lives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vedant. Any final thoughts on the U.S.’s role in this ongoing crisis?
**Vedant Patel:** Our role is to be both a partner and advocate for peace. We understand the stakes are high, and we are committed to working collaboratively with all parties involved to ensure that humanitarian needs are prioritized while also addressing security concerns. Our goal is a stable and secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights. We appreciate your time.
