In response to the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged to bring a list of aid measures to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Israel. The international community, including Israel's Western and Arab partners, has been calling for increased efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Blinken, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East, made the announcement during a visit to a warehouse of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization where aid shipments from US-based charities are gathered. While acknowledging some improvements in the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Blinken stressed that more needs to be done to ensure sustained assistance reaches the people in need.

"I'm now able to go to Israel tomorrow and go over with the Israeli government the things that still need to be done if the test is going to be met of making sure that people have what they need," said Blinken. He emphasized that he will directly discuss the matter with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other members of the Israeli government.

This check-in on the progress of humanitarian aid in Gaza comes about a month after US President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu that Washington's policy could change if Israel fails to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. The dire situation has prompted urgent calls from Israel's Western and Arab partners to redouble efforts and streamline the entry of aid into the enclave.

The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7 when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, has resulted in immense suffering for the people of Gaza. Israeli tallies report that 1,200 people have been killed and 250 others abducted in the violence. In response, Israel has launched an offensive campaign that has left the enclave devastated, with widespread civilian infrastructure damage and disease outbreaks.

The United Nations warns that over one million people in Gaza are at risk of famine after six months of war. This alarming situation has heightened the urgency for swift action to address the humanitarian crisis.

Blinken's visit and his discussion on aid measures with Prime Minister Netanyahu underlines the commitment of the United States to assist in alleviating the suffering in Gaza. The international community will closely monitor the outcome of these discussions and hope for concrete steps to ensure the timely provision of essential aid to the people of Gaza.