The Biden-Harris administration decides to continue arms transfers to Israel despite growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, raising questions about the balance between military support and humanitarian responsibilities.
At a Glance
- U.S. will continue arms transfers to Israel despite humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- State Department affirms Israel not in violation of U.S. law regarding arms transfers
- Humanitarian situation in Gaza described as “increasingly dire” with aid reduced by 50% since April
- Experts warn of potential famine conditions in northern Gaza
- Over 43,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began, with women and children comprising over 70% of casualties
Biden Administration Maintains Arms Support for Israel
The Biden-Harris administration has decided to continue supplying arms to Israel, despite growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This decision comes after a 30-day deadline set by the administration for Israel to improve humanitarian access to Gaza passed without substantial improvements. The State Department announced that it would not reduce weapons aid to Israel, despite the missed deadline.
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel stated that the administration has “not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of U.S. law.” This statement suggests that Israel has met the minimum requirements to continue receiving U.S. military support. However, Patel emphasized, “We are not giving Israel a pass,” indicating that the U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely.
The Biden administration is urging Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or risk a cut to arms sales, the starkest threat by the U.S. since the war began last year https://t.co/9aBZDfC3IR https://t.co/9aBZDfC3IR
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 15, 2024
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
Despite the continuation of arms transfers, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. A report from relief organizations indicates that conditions in Gaza are at their worst in the 13-month conflict. The amount of aid entering Gaza has fallen by 50% since April, with only about 30 trucks entering daily, far below the pre-conflict average of 500 trucks.
“The letter said that the humanitarian situation for the two million residents of Gaza was “increasingly dire” and that the amount of aid entering Gaza had fallen by 50 percent since April.” –The New York Times
Experts and U.N. officials are warning of imminent or existing famine conditions in northern Gaza, with the entire population facing food insecurity. The World Health Organization has raised alarms about the potential for famine due to heavy bombardment and limited aid access.
Israel-Gaza war: Biden to halt some arms supplies if Israel invades Rafah #bbcqt https://t.co/agBNSYOtbP
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) May 9, 2024
International Reactions and Concerns
The decision to continue arms transfers has drawn criticism from various quarters. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, emphasized the need for humanitarian access under international law, stating, “Israel’s right to self-defence is limited by international humanitarian law, which includes the stipulation that humanitarian access must be guaranteed at all times and must never be used as a method of warfare.”
“Israel’s right to self-defence is limited by international humanitarian law, which includes the stipulation that humanitarian access must be guaranteed at all times and must never be used as a method of warfare. Time and again, promises have been made and not kept.” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.
U.N. officials have raised concerns that Israel’s actions in blocking aid and targeting humanitarian workers may violate international law and could be considered war crimes. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s plan to sever ties with UNRWA, a key aid distributor in Gaza.
Casualties and Future Implications
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Over 43,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began, with women and children comprising over 70% of the casualties. Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties in Gaza and Lebanon, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As the situation continues to evolve, concerns persist about the balance between military support for Israel and addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza. The Biden administration’s decision to maintain arms transfers while emphasizing the need for improved humanitarian access highlights the complex dynamics at play in this ongoing conflict.
Sources:
- U.S. to Keep Sending Arms to Israel Despite Dire Conditions in Gaza
- U.S. to continue sending weapons to Israel despite dire conditions in Gaza
- US to Continue Israel Arms Transfers Despite Critical Report on Aid to Gaza
- Biden-Harris Administration Decides Not to Cut Arms to Israel, After Threat
