### U.S. Pressures Israel to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Gaza or Risk Military Funding Cut

The Biden administration has issued a stern warning to Israel, indicating that it must significantly enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza within the next 30 days or face the potential loss of U.S. weapons funding. This ultimatum was communicated in a detailed letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to their Israeli counterparts, emphasizing the necessity for immediate changes.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that humanitarian assistance to Gaza has dwindled to less than half of its peak levels despite prior efforts. The pressing demand is for Israel to ensure at least 350 trucks of aid enter Gaza daily, along with implementing additional humanitarian pauses and bolstering security at humanitarian sites.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby clarified that the communication was not intended as a threat. Instead, it sought to stress the urgency of the humanitarian needs in Gaza. An Israeli official, requesting anonymity, confirmed receipt of the letter and acknowledged that the U.S. is urging faster aid deliveries.

Frustrations have been mounting within the Biden administration due to Israel's ongoing aggressive actions against Hamas, which have led to significant civilian casualties and heightened the risk of a broader regional conflict. Blinken and Austin have expressed particular concern over Israel's restrictions on humanitarian movements and commercial imports into Gaza, which exacerbate the crisis.

The Biden administration, while reaffirming its unwavering support for Israel, has intensified calls for alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This stance comes at a crucial juncture, with the U.S. presidential election just three weeks away and substantial political weight attached to American military support for Israel.

Humanitarian organizations fear that Israeli leaders may plan to cut off aid to northern Gaza, a move that could lead to a severe deprivation for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians trapped without essential supplies. Contrary to Israeli officials' claims, U.N. data indicates a significant decline in aid deliveries to Gaza.

The U.S. warns Israel of its obligations under international humanitarian law and American legal stipulations ensuring the unimpeded delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, Israel's retaliatory actions have resulted in over 42,000 deaths in Gaza, affecting both civilians and combatants, while Hamas attacks have killed around 1,200 people in Israel.

U.S. military aid to Israel reached a record $17.9 billion since the onset of the war, enabling substantial arms acquisitions used in operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, often resulting in civilian casualties.