US asks Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis within a month or face arms embargo
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023 (AFP Photo)
The United States has issued a clear ultimatum to Israel, demanding that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza be resolved within one month or face an arms embargo.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin conveyed this message to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Foreign Minister Ron Dermer, according to Israel’s Channel 12.
US concerns over humanitarian conditions
The U.S. government has expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza in recent weeks. Officials reminded Israel of its commitment made in March 2024 to allow humanitarian aid to flow freely. However, reports indicate that September recorded the lowest level of aid entering the region.
In response to this situation, the U.S. emphasized that Israel must take concrete steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Failure to do so could lead to significant repercussions for U.S. foreign policy and security assistance to Israel.
Additionally, the U.S. recently sent advanced THAAD air defense systems to Israel, aimed at strengthening the country’s defense against potential missile threats from Iran.
France’s position on arms supplies in Gaza war
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron called for France to halt its arms supplies to Israel. “Today, the priority is to return to a diplomatic solution and to stop supplying weapons for the conflicts in the region.”
These remarks prompted a strong response from Prime Minister Netanyahu, who said: “Iran does not impose an embargo on the Houthis, Hezbollah, or Hamas, yet Western leaders who claim to oppose terrorism are imposing an embargo on Israel.”
These developments could have significant implications for international relations and the future of military assistance in a rapidly evolving regional conflict.
