Israeli leaders reassured Secretary of State Antony Blinken that it is not their policy to isolate northern Gaza, despite the United Nations reporting that requests for humanitarian assistance continued to be denied. The U.N. highlighted the urgent need for supplies such as blood, medications, food, and fuel for hospitals and water facilities. Blinken raised the issue of increasing aid to Gaza in discussions with Israeli officials, with Israel acknowledging the level of U.S. concern.
Earlier this month, Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin gave Israel 30 days to increase basic humanitarian aid to Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military assistance. Israeli officials outlined the actions taken in response to the letter, but Blinken emphasized that more needs to be done, despite some initial progress.
On Monday, 114 trucks crossed into Gaza with assistance, but it was unclear what reached the population. Israel assured Blinken of their commitment to meeting the demands set by the U.S. administration, emphasizing that results matter. The U.S. expects to see sustained action within the 30-day deadline. The official readout from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not mention humanitarian assistance.
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