America's 30-day deadline looms: US presses Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis or risk losing aid
Gaza humanitarian crisis
The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern.
As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground."
"Right now, that is not happening. This must change—immediately," she said.
US' deadline
On October 13, the US told Israel that it must take steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza within 30 days or risk losing US military aid, among other potential consequences.
This demand coincides with Israel's recent legislative move to restrict operations of the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, which provides critical health and educational support to Palestinians. Israel's parliament has voted to prevent UNRWA from operating in areas like East Jerusalem and parts of Gaza and the West Bank, citing concerns over the agency's alleged ties to Hamas.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged immediate action to provide necessary aid such as food and medicine, especially to northern Gaza, and safeguard aid workers in the region.
"The US has stated clearly that Israel must allow food, medicine and other supplies into all of Gaza – especially the north, and especially as winter sets in—and protect the workers distributing it," she said.
Thomas-Greenfield added that the US had "real concerns" about the UNRWA ban passed by Israel's Knesset, and that there was no alternative to the organization for delivering aid to Gaza.
Norway concerned about UNRWA ban
The Scandinavian countryhas announced plans to petition the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify Israel's obligations as an occupying power in supporting humanitarian aid. Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, in a statement, said that his country was "requesting that the ICJ pronounces on Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population, delivered by international organisations, including the UN and states".
Other European nations, including the UK, Ireland, and Germany, have also condemned the restrictions on UNRWA, with some officials considering potential sanctions or reviews of trade relations with Israel if the legislation takes effect.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called on Israel "to act consistently with its obligations" under the UN charter and international law, and stressed that "National legislation cannot alter those obligations."
(With inputs from agencies)
