The US increases its criticism of Israel for the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

2024-11-05 08:32:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The US increases its criticism of Israel for the dire humanitarian situation in

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday and urged further action to significantly increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the State Department said in a statement.

"The Secretary of State reviewed the actions Israel has taken to date and called for further action to significantly increase and sustain humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine and other essential supplies, to civilians throughout Gaza," the State Department said after the call.

President Biden's administration is stepping up criticism of Israel for not doing enough to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, as Israeli officials approach a 30-day deadline to meet several demands from Washington or risk possible aid cuts. military.

President Biden's administration is also condemning the recent violence against Palestinians in the West Bank by extremist Jewish settlers and calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Monday gave Israel a "poor" grade for meeting conditions for improving humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip laid out in a letter last month to officials senior Israelis from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

He said there are about nine days left until the deadline expires, but the limited progress so far has been insufficient.

"As of today, the situation has not significantly improved," spokesman Miller told reporters. "We have seen an increase in some aspects. But the recommendations presented in the letter have not been fulfilled."

A day before the election in the United States, the administration of President Biden reprimanded its close ally. Support for Israel is a key issue for many voters, and the humanitarian crisis for the Palestinians is also a factor for a number of American voters. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have campaigned to secure the support of Muslim, Arab-American and Jewish voters in swing states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

More than a year ago, Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, sparking the current war. Israel says it believes Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 people the military says are dead.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

The American government and other Western countries have declared Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations./VOA