Politics USA continues military aid to Israel despite crisis in Gaza
The USA is maintaining its military support for Israel, although the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical. Aid organizations warn of an impending famine.
13.11.2024, 05:50
SDA
The US government has decided to continue its military support for Israel, although the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic. The US State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, explained that military aid would not be restricted, even though the deadline for improving the situation had expired. The US had previously called on Israel to improve conditions in Gaza within 30 days in order not to violate US laws on military assistance. Patel emphasized that the situation would continue to be closely monitored.
According to the US State Department, Israel has taken steps to improve the humanitarian situation, such as opening the Erez border crossing for aid deliveries. Nevertheless, international aid organizations contradict this account. A report by eight organizations, including Oxfam and Care, describes the situation as critical and warns of a famine. The infrastructure has been destroyed and there is a lack of basic food and medicines.
Critical situation in the Gaza Strip
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has worsened since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Almost two million people have been displaced and the supply of food and water is inadequate. The situation is particularly alarming in the north of the Gaza Strip, as the area has been declared a combat zone. Aid organizations report that Israel is far from being able to allow the 350 trucks of aid requested by the USA into the Gaza Strip every day. Currently, only around 42 trucks a day reach the area.
Trump's Middle East policy
US President-elect Donald Trump has begun to shape his Middle East policy. He has nominated Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel, a well-known supporter of Israel. He has also appointed real estate investor Steven Witkoff as special envoy for the Middle East, although he has no diplomatic experience. Trump has hinted at aligning US foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests.
US military actions in the Middle East
The US military has carried out attacks on pro-Iranian militias in Yemen and Syria. In Yemen, airstrikes were flown on weapons depots of the Huthi rebels, who used advanced weapons against ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In Syria, the US military attacked a weapons depot and logistics center of a pro-Iranian militia in response to attacks on US troops. Centcom commander Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized that attacks on US personnel will not be tolerated.
Conflicts in Israel and Lebanon
There were further deadly attacks in Israel and Lebanon. In northern Israel, two men died after a rocket hit, while in Lebanon at least 33 people were killed in Israeli attacks. An attack in Jun hit a residential building where displaced people had sought refuge, killing 15 people, including women and minors.
