Germany USA considers cutting military aid to Israel over Gaza crisis
The USA is considering reducing its military aid to Israel if the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip does not improve. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
11.11.2024, 16:19
11.11.2024, 16:20
SDA
The USA has supported Israel with extensive military aid since the beginning of the Gaza conflict. However, with the expiry of a deadline set by the USA to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, this support is now threatened with cuts. President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated that an assessment of Israel's progress will take place this week in order to decide on possible consequences.
Israel is dependent on the USA as its most important ally and largest arms supplier. A reduction in military aid could hit the country hard, especially if offensive weapons are involved. The US faces a dilemma: it wants to persuade Israel to take humanitarian measures without weakening its ability to defend itself against threats such as Iran.
US pressure on Israel
In a strongly worded letter, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and demanded urgent measures from Israel. Despite some progress, such as the expansion of a humanitarian zone by the Israeli army, the situation remains critical. Aid organizations are warning of a famine, particularly in the north of the Gaza Strip.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Israel to open the border crossings for aid deliveries, as the supply situation in the Gaza Strip is dramatic. The USA is demanding that Israel allow at least 350 trucks of aid through the border crossings every day.
Challenges in the distribution of aid supplies
Another problem is the looting of aid supplies by Hamas, which sells them to the population at inflated prices. According to reports, armed groups have organized themselves in the south of the Gaza Strip to loot aid shipments. The Israeli army is reluctant to intervene so as not to endanger international aid workers, which could increase international criticism of Israel.
The Israeli government is considering various options for distributing the aid, including having the army or a US security company take over. Israel rejects the idea of the Palestinian Authority taking control, as well as a two-state solution.
With winter approaching, the situation is particularly urgent as the people of Gaza are in desperate need of food, water, medicine and other supplies. The international community is pushing for a solution to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
