In a recent government meeting, officials addressed escalating tensions surrounding Israel's recent legislative actions and their implications for humanitarian aid in Gaza. While no immediate sanctions were announced, officials indicated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and may consider future actions if Israel fails to impose accountability for recent incidents.
The meeting highlighted the U.S. government's ongoing concerns regarding Israel's termination of its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has been a critical provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Officials expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation, noting that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza remains insufficient and that humanitarian workers face significant obstacles in delivering aid.
The U.S. is currently reviewing the implications of the new legislation, which does not take effect for 90 days, and is assessing whether any immediate actions are warranted. Despite some increases in aid crossings, officials characterized Israel's compliance with U.S. requests as inadequate, suggesting a \"fail\" in meeting the stipulated recommendations outlined in a recent letter from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Officials emphasized the crucial role UNRWA plays not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and Lebanon, asserting that there is currently no viable alternative for distributing aid on a sufficient scale without the agency. The U.S. remains opposed to the implementation of the new law, underscoring the importance of UNRWA's continued operations in the region. As discussions continue, the U.S. government is expected to engage further with Israeli officials to address these pressing humanitarian concerns.