### US Pressures Israel Over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis as Tensions Rise in Lebanon

In a bid to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Biden administration has issued a stern demand to Israel. A letter sent to the Israeli government calls for significant improvements within the next 30 days, citing the drastic reduction in humanitarian aid, which has plummeted by over 50% from its peak levels. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that, despite increased aid following appeals from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April, current assistance levels remain "very, very low."

The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about Israel's actions in Gaza, warning that the country is essentially sealing off the northern region and could be conducting a "large-scale forced transfer" of civilians, actions which the UN states would amount to war crimes. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the US that any counterstrike on Iran would target only military installations, avoiding oil and nuclear facilities.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah's deputy secretary general urged Israel to accept a ceasefire or face "pain," amid increasing hostilities. On Tuesday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket barrages directed at Israel, with 90 rockets fired by 9 p.m. local time. While no injuries were reported, one rocket landed in a yard near Haifa.

The situation in Lebanon is dire, with approximately 25% of its population—over 1 million people—displaced due to Israeli military evacuation orders and ongoing airstrikes. According to Rema Jamous Imseis of the United Nations Refugee Agency, expanded evacuation warnings and military actions are creating vast areas of displacement and distress.

The US has also voiced opposition to Israel's recent bombing campaign in Beirut, with a State Department spokesperson emphasizing concerns over civilian casualties. Despite initial US silence on the matter, Matthew Miller declared on Tuesday that the Biden administration strongly opposes the bombing campaign due to its impact on civilians.

In a further show of support while balancing its critique, the US has begun deploying advanced air defense systems and military personnel to Israel, with initial components having arrived on Monday. These reinforcements come amidst ongoing military engagements, with Israel maintaining that its ground operations in Lebanon are "limited" and "localized," even as four divisions are involved in the conflict.

The recent actions by Israel have triggered intense discussions within the US administration, culminating in the recent letter demanding immediate changes to the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza. As State Department spokesperson Miller indicates, the Biden administration seeks to avert a humanitarian catastrophe without destabilizing its complex geopolitical relationship with Israel.