Pressure is building on Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the United States continuing to support military assistance regardless of the situation on the ground. The Biden administration made headlines earlier this month by issuing Israel a stringent ultimatum, demanding specific actions to improve humanitarian conditions within 30 days or face potential consequences. Yet, with the deadline now passed, concerns are amplified over the lack of genuine progress made by the Israeli government.
The backdrop of this situation stems primarily from the intense conflict initiated by Hamas’ surprise attack against Israel back on October 7, 2023, resulting in more than 1,200 Israeli casualties and numerous hostages. Since then, Israel's extensive military operations have led to staggering numbers of Palestinian deaths—surpassing 43,000, with more than half of those being women and children, according to local health authorities. This act of violence precipitated the current humanitarian disaster, with around 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents now displaced.
On November 12, 2024, Vedant Patel, the State Department spokesperson, clarified the U.S. stance, stating, “We have not made an assessment at this time to declare Israel is violating U.S. law.” He emphasized the importance of addressing humanitarian issues but remained evasive about the specific criteria initially set by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, effectively disavowing any immediate repercussions for Israel.
This ultimatum, issued on October 13, called for Israel to boost humanitarian aid to at least 350 trucks per day, call for the opening of additional crossings, and bolster protection for humanitarian sites. Despite establishing some beneficial frameworks, international aid organizations report the situation has worsened. A mere average of 42 trucks per day entered Gaza throughout October, demonstrating Israel's failure to uphold the U.S. request.
Humanitarian groups like Oxfam and Save the Children have criticized this ineffective response, claiming Israel has dramatically worsened conditions on the ground. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA noted, “The average of just over 30 trucks daily is far from what has been demanded. We have seen no significant changes.” The situation was so dire it prompted the U.N. to issue warnings about potential famine conditions, particularly in northern Gaza.
Despite the pressing humanitarian needs, the Biden administration chose to maintain its military assistance to Israel, which critics interpret as complicity with Israel’s actions. The U.S. has supplied Israel with over $17.9 billion just this year, significantly contributing to its military endeavors. These decisions have ignited fierce debates within Washington, dividing opinions among officials about whether Israel has complied with U.S. directives.
On one side, some officials believe the lack of consequences shows a failure to hold Israel accountable. According to Ali Harb, editor with Al Jazeera, many rights advocates see the ultimatum as nothing more than “a charade.” Tariq Kenney-Shawa, from Al-Shabaka, expressed dissatisfaction: “Biden has no intention of using his remaining time to ameliorate the humanitarian situation; instead, his steps are merely buying Israel time and shielding it from any real accountability.”
Just hours prior to Patel's press briefing, humanitarian groups released reports confirming the alarming downward trend of conditions since the issuance of the ultimatum. A coalition of organizations emphasized, “Not only did Israel fail to improve the humanitarian conditions, but the state of affairs has worsened considerably. Measures to ease the situation have largely been ignored.”
During the meeting between President Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the conversation inevitably centered around the dichotomy of humanitarian needs versus military strategies. Herzog called for increased U.S. focus on Iran and its proxies rather than addressing Palestinian needs. Biden reaffirmed the longstanding support his administration holds for Israel, labeling it as “ironclad.” This perspective aggravates rights advocates, who perceive this unwavering support as fueling the deterioration of humanitarian conditions.
Critically, it has been suggested by various human rights groups, including Mercy Corps, to hold Israel accountable for the situation. Katy Crosby stated, “The humanitarian catastrophe results from systematic obstructions, continuous bombardments, and dreadful failures to protect civilians.” The dire circumstances are leading to growing accusations of genocide and complicity against the U.S. from activists and advocacy groups alike.
Israel's current stance appears to present disjointed commitments, as they claim to have made strides toward U.S. demands. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, highlighted improvements like the extension of the designated humanitarian zones, but many critics echo the sentiment of ineffectiveness. Reports indicate Israeli military activities have created new obstacles to delivering humanitarian support.
Consequently, the situation for the people of Gaza is reaching catastrophic levels. Reports reveal over 80% of the population has been displaced amid over 13 months of conflict, illustrating the scale of destruction faced. With expanded military measures still being enforced against areas identified with Hamas activity, critics fear the persistent escalation may lead to ethnic cleansing. The dire needs of the civilian population slip farther down the list, lost within geopolitical maneuverings surrounding military aid.
Political pressures and commitments celebrated within Washington stand in stark contradiction to the harsh realities of civilian lives. Both humanitarian groups and rights advocates warn the consequences of insufficient action will lead to preventable suffering and deaths. A cry for urgent changes within U.S. policy calls for accountability—requesting tangible actions over superficial promises. Without it, the international community may question the United States’ moral fabric and capacity to defend human rights globally.
This mounting pressure highlights the challenges the Biden administration faces as it navigates the complex geopolitical waters of military support for Israel amid rising humanitarian crises. With the eyes of the world observing, the path forward for both U.S. policy and the lives affected on the ground remains uncertain and fraught.
